Tilt and Trim no functional in water

[Cowthief]

Hello all,

I have a 1986 Johnson VRO 90hp outboard. I recently spent 6 months bringing the hull back to condition as the engine was in fine shape. Weekly I would fire her up with just the ears on. It would always trim up and down no problems in the driveway. I went to launch Saturday and soon as the aft was in the water I went to trim it down and all I got was clicks, I'm guessing from the solenoid. What would cause this to work only out of water and not in the water? Only thing I have done thus far is make sure there was plenty of fluid in it. After I pulled it up the boat ramp I tried again on level ground out of water and it was the same results.

I get the boat back to the house in the driveway and poof she works again. The drive from the ramp to my house is only about 5 minutes. If I can provide anymore information or post any pictures that would help diagnose this let me know.

Thanks

Joe

 

[schematic]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

relays or motor brushes.

check for voltage to motor. follow the harness up from motor to plug. check at plug

 

[Cowthief]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

12.99 volts...I did notice that while in the garage once i push the button it takes a second or two before it actually moves.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

Best to first remove, clean, reinstall, and tighten all cables/wires associated with the power tilt/trim assembly to assure no voltage drop exists. This includes the battery terminals/connectors, the battery ground cable at the powerhead, and the plug terminals (PTT switch to relay box), the plug terminals (relay box to electric motor).

It is necessary to clean not only the cable/wire terminals but also the component they attach to.

Unless the electric motor itself has an intermitent problem, the above usually takes care of the problem.

 

[Cowthief]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

But a loose connection or bad connection would make it faulty all the time...why would it work great at home and not when in water?

 

[nwcove]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

jmo, but the humidity at the lake is much higher than at home, and could be causing the issues that are described above.

 

[schematic]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

12.99 volts...I did notice that while in the garage once i push the button it takes a second or two before it actually moves.

Did you check the voltage from one terminal of the plug to the other?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

But a loose connection or bad connection would make it faulty all the time...why would it work great at home and not when in water?

The word is "Intermitent". There's a process of elimination to find the problem beginning with starting a trouble shooting procedure we've listed. The alternative is to start replacing parts.

 

[Cowthief]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

Thanks Joe Reeves, I will start working on it tomorrow as it has been quite rainy today. Thanks for all your advice.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

Thanks Joe Reeves, I will start working on it tomorrow as it has been quite rainy today. Thanks for all your advice.

You're welcome and keep us advised. I know all about that rain thinggy... Tampa Bay area.

 

[Cowthief]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

I took a wire brush and cleaned all the connections and made sure they were snug. During this process i noticed both ram cylinders leak. If I had to guess the fluid is milky white, but the fluid leaking is clean. Local rebuilt here wanted $600. I guess i need to weigh my options now.

I am pretty handy and have rebuilt things on my jet ski. Would I be able to complete this with normal tools? Should I get an owner's manual or is their somewhere online that would give me a guideline to follow on the repair. I have only read on how to drain fluid ect online. I do better with pictures to be honest and saw several different ways to drain and bleed I have found the website that I can order all the parts. I bought this boat for $1600 and have spent the last 8 months repairing electrical and hull damage as my thing is fiberglass work. Last weekend was the maiden voyage and ruined by a simple trim problem.

Another option is, I found a used complete unit on ebay for $500 and could replace it all.

Thanks for any advice and guidance.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

It's unlikely the unit requires a complete rebuilding. And leakage at the trim rams caps is a common problem that does not require rocket science mentality. All you need is a proper tool to unscrew those caps and the replacement seals, O rings, wipers, etc.... really no big deal.

If the fluid was contaminated, it would be obvious at those caps... and you say that the leaking fluid is clear at that area. You can no doubt pick up a tool at a automotive parts store. Parts (prices approximate) you will need are:

2 - Wipers ------ 122494 - $5.00ea
2 - Quad Rings -- 328227 - $4.50ea
2 - O Rings ------ 319662 - $1.50ea
2 - Backup Rings - 321715 - $5.00ea ($32.00 total)

Plus PTT fluid or whatever type automatic transmission many members use and recommend. You can do it.

 

[Cowthief]

Re: Tilt and Trim no functional in water

Thank so much Joe you really got my hopes back up of me getting out on the water in my first boat. Fished 15 years in my dad's boat but hopefully have my own to capt.

Going on a cruise this week, but will get all those seals/rings once I get back. I will keep you updated.