Power Tilt Trim Pump leaks- missing ball bearing

[25 horses]

I recently discovered a leak that drained the hydraulic pump to the power trip of my Mariner 45 horse. While it looks like the hoses could be replaced, I think I found the real problem. The oil is leaking through a hole near the bottom of the pump where a ball bearing usually resides. I found the ball bearing at the bottom of the boat where the pump sits.

What is it going to take to seal up this hole. Does the pump need to be completely taken apart and will a new ball bearing stay in place? Why would that ball have come out in the first place? As a novice, I am pretty sure that I will need to have this problem fixed by a professional. However, I am interested to know what type of job this would be if I did decide to tackle it myself. Also, if I decide to replace the four hydraulic hoses, what type of job will that be. Do the hoses usually come with the proper fittings on both ends, or do the hoses need to be cut and crimped to fit the situation?

I am attaching a photo of the style of pump that I have.

Thanks

 

[RRitt]

Re: Power Tilt Trim Pump leaks- missing ball bearing

manufacturers drill fluid passages through the aluminum castings. after all of the passages are drilled then they come back and press ball bearings into the holes to seal the passage. It sound like one of your plugs fell out. That would almost certainly be from corrosion. Is it even worth saving?

If it is worth saving then you can carefully tap threads into the hole and plug with a set screw and some thread sealer.

 

[25 horses]

Re: Power Tilt Trim Pump leaks- missing ball bearing

Thanks for the idea. Is it worth it? Probably not, but I'm thinking the options are either a new pump or going with no tilt. I was wondering if I could try a slightly larger ball bearing and press it into place as the manufacturer did. Sounds like you wouldn't attempt to open the pump and try to rebuild anything. Just work externally on plugging the hole. That would seem to be less expensive. I appreciate the advice.

 

[25 horses]

Re: Power Tilt Trim Pump leaks- missing ball bearing

What about using just a self-tapping screw? Do you think that would work with thread sealer?

Thanks,

John Heyer

 

[RRitt]

Re: Power Tilt Trim Pump leaks- missing ball bearing

What about using just a self-tapping screw? Do you think that would work with thread sealer?

Thanks,

John Heyer

metal flakes are almost 100% sure to be a bad thing.

 

[25 horses]

Re: Power Tilt Trim Pump leaks- missing ball bearing

Understood. So, what is the preferred material for the set screw? How deep into the holes should the threads be made and the screw be set into the hole? I'm trying to imagine how much space that small ball took up and if I am going to be interferring with fluid flow if I go too far with the screw. I'm guessing three or four threads deep would be enough.

Thanks

 

[RRitt]

Re: Power Tilt Trim Pump leaks- missing ball bearing

Understood. So, what is the preferred material for the set screw? How deep into the holes should the threads be made and the screw be set into the hole? I'm trying to imagine how much space that small ball took up and if I am going to be interferring with fluid flow if I go too far with the screw. I'm guessing three or four threads deep would be enough.

Thanks

if you can not examine the part and deduce these things from experience then you should probably take it to a machine shop or something.

 

[25 horses]

Re: Power Tilt Trim Pump leaks- missing ball bearing

Just to update. My neighbor tapped threads and inserted a small set screw. I filled the pump with oil and the tilt has been working well for a couple of months. Thanks for the assistance.