OMC tilt problem

[redwing]

Hi folks...I'm new to the forum but this looks like the place to be.<br /><br />Bought a used boat in April with an OMC I/O 175 HP and the tilt just quit working on me. The marine tech replaced the tilt motor at the marina before we towed it home and we backed it into the water and everything checked out fine. We took the boat out for a trial run a couple of weeks ago and again, all electrical systems were operational. <br /><br />Went to take her out again this afternoon and the tilt wouldn't work. All I get is a clicking sound from the solenoids. Everything else electrically in the boat works. I've heard tell and according to the owners manual that there is a 100A fuse that protects the tilt motor and could be causing my problem but I've searched the engine hi and low and can't find this fuse (also could be a pair of 50A fuses). <br /><br />I "don't think" I have a bad tilt motor as I disconnected it during my troubleshooting and still got the clicking from the solenoids. <br /><br />Is there anything I can do to further isolate the problem before I have to tow it back to the marina? TIA.

 

[PT]

Re: OMC tilt problem

You say you hear a clicking but you didnt say motor ran so i would check voltage at motor, verify you have voltage going to it. With tilt trim switch in the up position (ignition sw. in the on position) the up solenoid will energize & the motor will run. May wanna check your ground if no voltage.

 

[PT]

Re: OMC tilt problem

One other thing you have over travel limit switches to prevent tilt trim motor from going to high or too low, may wanna check these also. they will stop motor from working also

 

[foresteronw]

Re: OMC tilt problem

it doens't sound like it would be your motor, usually when the motor goes you can here it still attempting to run but doesn't move.

 

[Boatist]

Re: OMC tilt problem

Redwing<br />Welcome to the board lots of info here. Before can help you need to know which motor you have. OMC stringer pre 1985 with the big rubber boot around outdrive has a 1/4 circle gear to raise outdrive, or the OMC Cobra after 1985 that has two hydrolic cylinders to raise outdrive. The tilt and trim systems for the 2 motors are totally different.<br /><br />The OMC stringer does have 2 50 amp fuses on starboard side near the starter motor.

 

[redwing]

Re: OMC tilt problem

Thanks for the ideas..it gives me a few things to check. Nothing is more frustrating than taking a half day off work, hauling the family 25 miles to the lake, and coming right back home again!<br /><br />-It would be an OMC stringer as it is a late-70's vintage boat and has the rubber boot around the outdrive.<br /><br />-I don't hear the tilt motor attempt to run at all.<br /><br />-Where are the over limit switches located?<br /><br />I'll check the voltage to the motor and look again for those fuses today.

 

[PT]

Re: OMC tilt problem

They should be on the out drive .

 

[Boatist]

Re: OMC tilt problem

Redwing<br />I am not awear of any limit switches on the stringer. I also not sure if your 1970 model the same design as the 1980 model I know, so if info does not seen to fit wait until you find someone that does know your motor.<br /><br />The problem can be a outdrive with no grease in the pivot bushings, the tilt clutch full of water or the motor burned up or getting no voltage. Pull the drain plug and see if tilt clutch has clean engine oil or water in it. Easy way to isolate to motor and tilt clutch or mechinal binds do to lack of grease is to take the 3 bolts out that hold the 1/4 circle gear and remove gear. Now try the tilt and see of tilt motor runs in both directions. If motor runs ok then lift outdrive by hand and see if it is easy to lift or very stiff. If stiff support outdrive as it is heavy, remove the two rubber stops on each side then remove the two tilt pin caps and pull outdrive away from engine, remove clean and lube pivot pin bushings then reinstall.

 

[redwing]

Re: OMC tilt problem

Latest update...<br /><br />-I pulled the 1/4 gear off and the outdrive tilts fine by hand..no binding or resistance.<br />-I hooked up my volt meter between the tilt solenoids and the motor and I do have voltage at the motor so that pretty much isolates the solenoids out of the picture.<br />-Pulled the drain plug on the tilt clutch and out came a substance that had the color of coffee with cream..light brown..and little or no viscosity to the touch...I'm new to boating but previous auto experience tells me that's not good.<br /><br />Luckily, the marina we bought it from warranteed the boat for a short period. Hauled it up there today and the ball is now in their court...film at 11.<br /><br />Thanks for all the advice. I can see that this is the "go-to" place for boating Q&A. On a side note, if any of you have computer problems, check out the forums at www.pcmech.com.

 

[Boatist]

Re: OMC tilt problem

Redwing<br />Sounds like a good way to go. Could still be motor or tilt clutch but tilt clutch should have clean engine oil in it and no water. I sure your dealer will fix you up.

 

[redwing]

Re: OMC tilt problem

Final verdict...<br /><br />The mechanic who replaced the tilt motor somehow installed it incorrectly and it ended up ruining the brushes or something. The marina gave us a year warranty on that motor so we ended up with a new one no charge.