Power trim help needed.

[fredcrn]

My power trim on my 1983 OMC stringer 800 series with 5.7L GM inboard has quit working. When I run the trim motor up or down, I can hear the motor running, but front of motor doesn't raise or lower. What should I look for?
Thanks
Fred

 

[fredcrn]

Re: Power trim help needed.

bump

 

[Boatist]

Re: Power trim help needed.

Look under the boot at the front of the engine and you should be able to determin the problem. If the motor turning in both ways and the motor does not raise and lower then the front motor mount may also be turning with the jack screw. When is the last time you lubbed the Jack Shaft. Mount could be rusted to the shaft and turning with the shaft. If it is then hold it with some pliers and see if you can free it then lube the shaft with OMC Triple Guard Grease and try again. Also make sure the nut are set at the right tension. Motor mount could be bad and need replaced if it slips too easy and turns with the shaft.

If your is the one that uses hydraulics instead of a jack screw then it could be out of fluid.

Report back what your find to help others in the future.

 

[fredcrn]

Re: Power trim help needed.

Thanks for the response. Mine is the hydraulic type. Will try to trace the lines to find the reservoir this weekend.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Power trim help needed.

probably low on fluid - if the rams are leaking - reseal them before the stringers and floor of the boat get saturated with oil. Seal kits on eBay.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Power trim help needed.

I have the same setup and year. I agree to check the fluid level. If the motor in running and your able to hear it kick in for up and down, it's probably just low on fluid. Get some tilt fluid, I use super tech from wally world. Get the tube so its easy to get in there to fill. Look on the side and you will see the plug. Fill it up and run the trim up and down a few times, then go back and add more until its full.

Check for leaks, mine leaked and did exactly what kjdkdj said. It got in the stringers and I had to completely redue do them with new glass. Believe me, you don't want to have to do this.

I also saw a new seal kit on ebay, its at a great price. I ordered mine through dougrussell.com to the tune of $130 with shipping. If it is leaking I bet the shaft seals at the bottom are trashed. Check all your hose connections as well, could just have a leaking connection. If it is low, the fluid is escaping some place.

Check it out and let us know, I have rebuilt the rams before, I will guide you through it.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Power trim help needed.

This is what leaking select trim rams do to your boat.....

 

[fredcrn]

Re: Power trim help needed.

Posting from work and can't access pics, but I suspect the right lift was leaking as that stringer is done. I'm definately going to have to rebuild it. Thinking I might as well do seal kits for both? Thanks for the responses.

 

[fredcrn]

Re: Power trim help needed.

Well, I found at least part of the problem with the select trim. I topped up the pump and one of the pressure lines had a pin hole leak. I've replaced the line, but haven't been able to test it yet, as the motor is lifted to repair the stringer. Once the stringer is replaced, I'll be able to check for seal leakage. Thanks for the help guys.