OMC Cobra Tilt works when engine is not running, does not work when engine is running

ecsailer

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Jun 2, 2012
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3
I have an OMC cobra outdrive that works fine when the engine is not running. When the engine is running, the trim automatically goes to the down position and the trim motor continuously runs. I replaced the solenoids and I thought it fixed the problem. Ran it all day and right at the end, the trim motor just started running. I have to disconnect the motor until I dock, turn off the engine, plug it back in and then I can raise the outdrive. Any ideas what to check?
 

Kainon

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Sep 13, 2009
Messages
608
Re: OMC Cobra Tilt works when engine is not running, does not work when engine is run

incorrect / crossed wiring you need to get a diagram and go through it ONE connection at a time.

sounds like the DOWN solenoid is getting 12V when the engine is running, someone may have tapped into it thinking.. ???

start at the down solenoid its getting 12v+ to either the solenoid trigger wire or directly to the trim motor
 

flargin

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Aug 13, 2008
Messages
540
Re: Trim Works when engine is off, but not when it is running????

Re: Trim Works when engine is off, but not when it is running????

don't have a OMC, but sounds like a short someplace. (BTW, year, make and model is helpful for those who know)

Does it only doing it if it is running? or if you turn the key on, even if you don't start it?

I would assume when you turn the switch to start, the electricty that goes through the key is now going to the trim motor. Best way to try to find it is to remove wire and re-install until you figure out which one is causing the problem... then trace the heck out of it...
 

Don S

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Re: Trim Works when engine is off, but not when it is running????

Re: Trim Works when engine is off, but not when it is running????

What engine and year?
 

ecsailer

Recruit
Joined
Jun 2, 2012
Messages
3
Re: Trim Works when engine is off, but not when it is running????

Re: Trim Works when engine is off, but not when it is running????

don't have a OMC, but sounds like a short someplace. (BTW, year, make and model is helpful for those who know)

Does it only doing it if it is running? or if you turn the key on, even if you don't start it?

I would assume when you turn the switch to start, the electricty that goes through the key is now going to the trim motor. Best way to try to find it is to remove wire and re-install until you figure out which one is causing the problem... then trace the heck out of it...


It does it when the key is in the on position. It does not do it all the time, however. I know the wires are correct. There may be a short or bare wire.

The boat is a 1988 Thompson Cutlas 180 with a Mercruiser (I think 90HP) engine.
 

Gitrdun01

Cadet
Joined
Jun 13, 2012
Messages
8
Re: OMC Cobra Tilt works when engine is not running, does not work when engine is run

I had a similar problem with mine and it turn out that the wires had frayed as they go into the gimble housing and grounding out against the housing they looked good until I felt down into the housing a Ltl bit itself . Good luck
 
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