Outboard lifter was struggling.

[massimofinance]

Today I noticed one of my lifters seemed to be struggling so I took off the anode and saw a few metal seals on the shaft that were slowing the shaft down. Do I need to worry about these? Do I need to replace them? Pictures below. Boat is used in saltwater. Thanks.

 

[Fun Times]

Here will be your parts guide as needed for you, https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30862/2686/230

ALPHA ONE (GEN.II) 1998 AND UP - 0L100040 & Up

ALPHA ONE (GEN.II) 1998 AND UP - 0L100040 & Up

www.mercruiserparts.com

 

[flashback]

I think the ram needs replacement or rebuilding. It's not helping the effort and just along for the ride.. IMHO

 

[Scott Danforth]

If you have water in the fluid, your cylinders will be corroding from the inside

 

[dubs283]

The partial seal and keeper pictured stuck on the ram indicate an end cap/seal replacement at a minimum. Agree with others there may be more issues not yet obvious

If you primarily operate the boat in saltwater you should be using zinc anodes only. Aluminum will only help halfway, magnesium will do little/nothing

 

[massimofinance]

Got it. Thanks everyone.

 

[massimofinance]

Wanted to circle back up here. After de winterizing the boat last week the rams continue to struggle. The switch doesn’t work right away and when it does, the rams really struggle. I have to lower the trim all the way to raise it at all. Getting two replacement rams and will swap them in next week. Will close the loop with the forum after. Thanks.