Slight leak on tilt motor, is that ok?

[RobG]

Looks like I've developed a small leak on the middle "tilt" cylinder on my tlr90 yamaha. The tilt and trim have been working fine and when the boat is sitting in the driveway the motor stays in the angle I leave it. Would this be similiar to a bottle jack, it could develop a small leak, but as long as the fluid is fine, I shouldn't worry too much about it. It's going on about 3 years old and the leak is around the shaft and outer rubber seal that is visible on top of the cylinder.

Thanks!

Rob

 

[DukesFin]

Re: Slight leak on tilt motor, is that ok?

It's fine as long as you want it to be... That being said, do you want to try picking up your motor by hand when it completely fails? I ask that because I had the same thought about my failing tilt UNTIL I had to pick it up by hand when it really died on me. My back still hurts!!!

I'd be more concerned in the short term about water getting into the system if I were you though.

It's not the way it's supposed to be... That's how I am looking at "minor" issues with my motor now and I fix them when I see/find them instead of waiting on failure.

Your call!

 

[skargo]

Re: Slight leak on tilt motor, is that ok?

You've obviously diagnosed that you have a leak, is something preventing you from fixing it correctly? Sometimes I have trouble diagnosing stuff, but when I finally do, I drive myself crazy until I fix it.

 

[RobG]

Re: Slight leak on tilt motor, is that ok?

You guys are right. The little things like that can turn into big problems later. Just strange how the leak started. parts don't look worn. outer seal still looks new. I guess I'll be pulling out the manual this weekend and rebuilding that tilt motor.

Thanks again

Rob