How Do I Check Tilt/Trim Fluid Level

[PMHunter]

Can someone tell me please, how to check the tilt/trim fluid level on my 1986 Yamaha 70hp outboard motor, 70ETLJ? And, what type fluid do I add, if it is low?

 

[waffles1]

Re: How Do I Check Tilt/Trim Fluid Level

raise the motor all the way up and remove the top screw on the reservoir. add oil until it is full and overflows out the hole. There's a special oil just for the trim and tilt and the label on the can will say this. Good Luck.

 

[robert graham]

Re: How Do I Check Tilt/Trim Fluid Level

It is a sealed hydraulic system and if you're not having any problems then maybe just leave it sealed up, not risk introducing any foreign materials into the system. My Yamaha book says top it off with Dexron 11 Automatic transmission fluid if you have to. My motor is a 1999 and never any tilt/trim issues, have been tempted to just check/top off my unit, but decided to let a dead dog lie. Good Luck!

 

[PMHunter]

Re: How Do I Check Tilt/Trim Fluid Level

Thank you very much for the replies; I have been having a problem lately. the tilt/trim pops a little when letting the motor down. I thought I would check the fluid level.

 

[robert graham]

Re: How Do I Check Tilt/Trim Fluid Level

Yep, sometimes mine makes a little "creaking" sound right at first, then works fine the rest of the day, it just has to be a few air bubbles in the system, but I've resisted the temptation to screw with it for fear I'd make it worse. I understand these systems aren't very serviceable and if they die, a new unit is about $1200, depending on the model. I believe you can add fluid fairly easily, and work the unit up and down several times to get the air bubbles out of it. Good Luck!