Older Merc Trim Issue

[Arkman]

I have an 80 horse mercury outboard (i think late 70s) that I'm having a trim issue with. First off let me say that I've never actually ran this motor really. Just fired it up in the driveway one time was all. I spent some time a couple years ago redoing it, but life got crazy and I stopped working on it. Last summer it sat in my garage and i noticed a little oil on the floor under the motor. I assumed the lower unit leaked or something like that. Later in the summer i went to move it to storage and trimmed it up except it wouldn't go up. If I tried to trim it down, the motor would make noise (it was already down so I didn't do it for more than a quick second).

I'm assuming that part of the issue is there is no fluid in there anymore, or not enough to trim it up.

I've never had a boat with power tilt/trim so I dont even know where to start. Can someone give me some advice?

Sorry the pic isn't great of the trim unit, but you can see it in the bottom corner of the photo.

 

[GA_Boater]

Most trim pumps are mounted under the splashwell. Yours should be a piece of cake to work on. This may help with filling and bleeding the pump. Since the motor won't tilt, it may take you manually lifting the motor;

 

[jimmbo]

FYI, the Cowl Decal is of 1978

 

[merc850]

Try removing the bleed screws (yours might be Allen screws) one at a time and follow these instructions.
When you trim up you might have to press the UP and OUT buttons at the same time.

 

[GA_Boater]

Thanks 850. I couldn't find the trim cylinder stuff, only the pump.

And good reminder about the Up/Out buttons, too,

 

[Arkman]

Try removing the bleed screws (yours might be Allen screws) one at a time and follow these instructions.
When you trim up you might have to press the UP and OUT buttons at the same time.

When I do this is the motor up or down? Also what is the out button? I just have an up and down on the throttle lever.

 

[merc850]

Up and out are for the older units; start with the motor up and check the oil level then trim it down - remove an up screw and press the up button oil should come out. If oil comes out replace the screw and do the same to the other ram.
Carry on with the down screws.

 

[Arkman]

Ok. I think I got it filled an bled. Thanks for the help!

One last question. Sometimes it just clicks when going up. Won't actually go. It did it for a while, I just couldn't get it to go. I let it sit for a long time and tried again. Nothing. Then I decided to bang on the trim pump. I guess not really bang, just tap. Then it worked again. Was that just a coincidence? Or could it be like a car starter I had when I was young. Just gets stuck an needs a tap every now and then?

 

[gbrowne9]

you need to rebuild the trim pump motor.most automotive starter rebuilders will do it for you.

 

[merc850]

You can take the upper cap off by undoing and removing the 2 thru bolts and carefully lifting up the cap; be careful there's a bearing ball at the end of the shaft. Check the brushes for dust and movement and clean with a toothbrush.
I bought the whole assembly from my Mercury dealer for $60.