Trim/Tilt Pump runs, outdrive won't lower

[GENaughton]

1986 Mercruiser 260 V-8 Alpha One & Power Trim XD

When trying to lower stern drive unit with trim down switch, the pump motor runs (sounds "normal") but it won't move. Much. Alternating "trailer" and "trim down" seems to move pistons (rams?) about 1/8" back and forth, but that's it.

Disconnected hydraulic lines at rams and operated trailer button a couple of times. that shoots some fluid out (didn't look too bad). Topped fluid back up -- no change.

[Back story -- a buddy borrowed the boat previous fall, then stored it at his place. But he forgot to pull the plug, and heavy rains/snow over winter infiltrated the cover and swamped the back end, which I didn't discover until last Spring. The pump was probably at least partially submerged. The starter was shot, and I replaced that. I think the pump was working at that time, but can't swear now if I actually lowered the the stern drive.]

My confusion is over the fact that the pump runs, so I thought that left out solenoid/electrical(?) as the issue.

I'd appreciate suggestions on troubleshooting before I haul it to the mechanic as he's 40 miles away!

Thanks,

Jerry N

 

[alldodge]

1986 Mercruiser 260 V-8 Alpha One & Power Trim XD

When trying to lower stern drive unit with trim down switch, the pump motor runs (sounds "normal") but it won't move. Much. Alternating "trailer" and "trim down" seems to move pistons (rams?) about 1/8" back and forth, but that's it.

Disconnected hydraulic lines at rams and operated trailer button a couple of times. that shoots some fluid out (didn't look too bad). Topped fluid back up -- no change.

[Back story -- a buddy borrowed the boat previous fall, then stored it at his place. But he forgot to pull the plug, and heavy rains/snow over winter infiltrated the cover and swamped the back end, which I didn't discover until last Spring. The pump was probably at least partially submerged. The starter was shot, and I replaced that. I think the pump was working at that time, but can't swear now if I actually lowered the the stern drive.]

My confusion is over the fact that the pump runs, so I thought that left out solenoid/electrical(?) as the issue.

I'd appreciate suggestions on troubleshooting before I haul it to the mechanic as he's 40 miles away!

Thanks,

Jerry N

:welcome: to iboats Jerry

The pump runs but you see no oil anywhere (inside or outside), my first guess would be the pump is gone. When you opened the hoses, can you push the drive down?

 

[GENaughton]

Didn't see oil leaked out. It squirted out of the hose pretty good when I disconnected them (one at a time) at the rams and had the wife hit the "trailer" button. Could you clarify what you mean by "gone?" The motor is apparently turning based on the sound, and fluid squirts out. Do you mean some seals or something are shot?

Didn't think to try pushing it down while they were disconnected. I'll give that a try. Thanks for the quick response.

JN

 

[achris]

Disconnect both hoses from both rams. See it you can push the drive down or lift it up. It should fall down by itself. If it moves easily, then the problem is with the pump, else if it doesn't move or you need to stand on it to make it come down, then one or other ram is seized.

Chris....

 

[GENaughton]

Looks like it must be a seized ram. Nothing budged with both lines disconnected. I've got someone interested in buying the boat so I think I'm going to throw in the towel and go with the "checkbook repair kit" if the shop can get it done this week.

Thanks for the suggestions. This is the first time I've posted here but I've been a "lurker" for a long time and have gotten bailed out on several occasions.

Cheers,

Jerry N

 

[GENaughton]

Ok, back to plan "A" I thought being past the Memorial Day weekend would've let some of the pressure off of the boat service folks, but they can't promise anything before July 4th!

I haven't seen any threads here on rebuilding these cylinders -- possible? Better to buy new? I saw cylinders and hardware kits on SEI website. There are to lengths listed for Alpha One Gen I -- 15 9/16" and 16 3/16". Is that measured from very front of cylinder to back cap?

Thanks again,

JN