Tohatsu 25HP Trim Switch not working

[emarshbuck]

I'm new to this forum so be gentle.....we recently purchased a used Boss Pilot (2004) with a 25HP Tohatsu engine that does not have power tilt/trim. The electric switch on the engine does not seem to lock the engine down on the trim tab. I've read the engine manual and searched this forum but can't seem to find how to resolve this.

When we are out with this engine and change from forward to reverse (even after waiting for prop to idle) we get a significant bang against the trim tab.

Suggestions/thoughts/ideas?

thanks

ed marshall

 

[pvanv]

What is your actual model? If you do not have power TT, there isn't any electric switch for raising/lowering the motor. Even so, trim tabs have nothing to do with TT. Can you describe the problem in more detail so we can understand it? Does the reverse lock lever angage? Does the motor swing up, almost out of the water in reverse?

 

[fhhuber]

Also sounding to me like not engaging the mechanical lock to hold the motor down in reverse.

Should be a lever under the right (standing behind the boat and looking forward) side of the engine case, above where it pivots when you raise the motor to keep the prop off the road when the boat is on the trailer. That operates a lock that holds the motor down.

The engine will operate fine forward with it unlocked but will bang the mount at low rpm reverse and will have the prop come to the top of the water if you add throttle in reverse.

 

[Sea Rider]

The entire locking mechanism must be fully clean, well lubed/greased in order to work as intended. Probably the tilt stopper bracket is bit seized, that's not pivoting fully. Lay engine down with tiller up, remove both nuts on middle small plate, clean and grease white plastic bushing along stopper upper rod to work freely and engage well when forwarding or reversing.

Happy Boating

 

[emarshbuck]

Not only am I new to this forum, but also to boating. Still learning the language. Luckily have two neighbors fluent in "boatese."

So, the up/down electric switch on side of motor housing does "click" when I push either direction. The clicking sound seems to come from the area of the rectifier. But it does not lock the motor against the trim rod. There are four positions for the trim rod. When I acquired the boat the road was in the next to last from the bottom position. One of my boating neighbors suggested I put it in the last position down as to keep the bow from rising so high when I accelerated.

I did find a loose wire on the left side of the motor housing, but can't figure out where it should connect, not do I know the purpose of it. Guessing it's a ground wire for something. I have the owners manual, and parts catalog, but still can't figure out where that loose wire goes.

Keep those cards and letters coming in please!

thanks,

ed

 

[emarshbuck]

Not only am I new to this forum, but also to boating. Still learning the language. Luckily have two neighbors fluent in "boatese."

So, the up/down electric switch on side of motor housing does "click" when I push either direction. The clicking sound seems to come from the area of the rectifier. But it does not lock the motor against the trim rod. There are four positions for the trim rod. When I acquired the boat the road was in the next to last from the bottom position. One of my boating neighbors suggested I put it in the last position down as to keep the bow from rising so high when I accelerated.

I did find a loose wire on the left side of the motor housing, but can't figure out where it should connect, not do I know the purpose of it. Guessing it's a ground wire for something. I have the owners manual, and parts catalog, but still can't figure out where that loose wire goes.

Keep those cards and letters coming in please!

Oh, sorry Paul. The model is MFS25A. 2004 model year.

thanks,

ed

 

[pvanv]

Ok, so you have an MFS25A... with TT... That's the version with 3 carburetors... the B model is EFI.
Does the motor tilt up and down? With power TT, one usually sets the thrust rod as low as you will ever want it. The TT mechanism should retain the motor where you set it.
The TT switch engages solenoids that deliver high current power to the pump, which pumps hydraulic fluid (ATF) to raise or lower the motor.
Might be best to drop by a dealer to have the wiring checked out. Otherwise, you can get a Factory service manual, which will have a complete wiring diagram.

 

[emarshbuck]

Paul, I don't have power TT. I have to manually lift/lower the motor. Are you saying that the switch in the picture only works with power TT? It doesn't lock the engine up/down after I raise/lower it?

thanks

ed

 

[pvanv]

That is in fact a power tilt/trim switch. It activates the solenoids. That is the click you hear. No, it is not a tilt lock. Is there not a power tilt pump on the bracket? Maybe the PO removed it? Can you post a picture of the whole motor? You can DL a copy of your owners manual from tohatsu.com, and identify how to lock your motor's tilt.

 

[emarshbuck]

I'm starting to get the idea that this motor is missing some parts for a manual reverse lock mechanism. I've attached pages from the parts catalog for this motor, and pictures that might help you verify this, and, if so, what parts to order. It looks like part #'s 18-21 thru 18-36 are the ones in question.

thoughts? And thanks for all the help with this!

ed

 

[pvanv]

The previous owner removed the power tilt/trim assembly!

 

[emarshbuck]

Hmmm, is there a manual tilt lock I can buy? I think PTTs are about $1600 which is much more than I want to spend on a boat for which we paid $6k.

 

[pvanv]

You will need quite a few small parts. Take your photos to your dealer, and piece together the bits to convert to manual tilt and reverse lock.

 

[Sea Rider]

If don't want to invest that much money completing all missing parts, you can live with it. Just remember, at F will work ok, at R will rise engine accordingly to your throttle position, when throttling down OB will bang down against swivel bracket, just throttle enough for this cond not to happen, Bad music scenario, OB won't engage shallow water setting or be maintained raised if needed.

Happy Boating

 

[emarshbuck]

Sea Rider,

I can get the parts needed for about $400. Problem is the dealer lives about 40 miles away, and doesn't do work out of the shop, which I understand. I can't trailer my boat to him for a couple of reasons. Does anyone know of an installation manual for a manual reverse trim lock. I'm fairly mechanically inclined, and two of my neighbors are long time boaters using o/b's.

I've also thought about inserting a 3" carriage bolt behind the motor using the upper bolt holes, just for reverse. I can install/remove them in about 90 seconds.

thoughts?

thanks and Happy New Year!

 

[emarshbuck]

OK, parts have arrived at local Tohatsu dealer. I have the parts illustration from the parts catalog. I can't take the boat to the dealer in Savannah for several reasons. Dealer thinks I can use the parts illustration as a guide for installation and that the service manual doesn't help with this issue. Does anyone out there have a better guide/advice on how to install this manual trim lock? I've searched Youtube and found nothing.

thanks for everyone's help with this so far.

 

[pvanv]

The exploded diagram in the parts catalog will be your best reference.

 

[emarshbuck]

Paul, Thanks. Both my boating veteran neighbors think the way you do. I've already organized the parts based on the diagram. Just waiting for a couple of backorder parts. BTW, hope this "epic" blizzard avoids Buffalo. I worked for a software company located on Military Road for about 3 years, and was there during one mild winter storm.

 

[pvanv]

Should miss the area completely; expecting near-40 degrees next Tuesday.