volvo not trimming @1/3 throttle and above

[mduron1784]

I have a 4.3l AQ205 V6 volvo i/o. The outdrive will not trim unless Iam almost at idle speed which does me no good unless Iam trolling through shallow water. One more question should you leave the blower motor on at all times or just a low speeds

 

[Walter]

Re: volvo not trimming @1/3 throttle and above

Will your outdrive hold it's position at a partial trim under power (more than idle speed)? If so, then I suspect the seals and check valves in your hydraulic circuit are holding pressure...and that's good. If not, then either of those components are suspect. However, if your outdrive simply won't raise under power, then it possible the pump is weak, or you're low on fluid, or there's a fluid flow restriction, or ???. From what you describe it sounds like the hydraulics simply can't overcome the prop thrust. First thing I'd do is get a manual for your particular model and see if there's a troubleshooting chart for that specific problem.<br /><br />I know little to nothing about Volvos, but if your power trim set up is similar to my MerCruiser (and I believe it is), then what I've described should still hold true. Hydraulic's is hydraulics is hydraulics.<br /><br />As for running the blower at all times? That really depends on how much fresh air enters your engine compartment at speeds above idle and how tightly your engine compartment is sealed. It certainly doesn't hurt anything to run your blower full time, except you can expect to replace it more frequently. I've installed two blowers on my boat. One is switched that I use to purge fumes OUT of the bilge...and another that pulls IN fresh air to the engine compartment. It's powered via a time delay relay and begins to run continuously 20 seconds after the engine is started. That way I have less of a power drain when cranking the engine. Personally, I'm a firm believer in giving naturally aspirated engines all the air they want...and then some. <br /><br />Walt

 

[mduron1784]

Re: volvo not trimming @1/3 throttle and above

Walt thanks for the reply on the blower I think I will run it at all times. As for the trim issue it will hold if I raise it at idle then accerlerate however it takes longer to plane. I do have a manual and I have spoken to a local mechanic the book has some trouble shooting but nothing specific to this problem.. When the outdrive is lifted to full tilt position it will not come down at all for weeks. The hydraulic pump was also replaced approx. 3 months ago. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Walter]

Re: volvo not trimming @1/3 throttle and above

Now wait a minute...this is getting more complicated. "...it won't come down for weeks" ?? What's that mean? It's not supposed to come down unless you trim it down. Are you saying that you're attempting to operate the trim and it won't lower? If so...what happens when you press the switch to lower it? Does the pump motor engage or not? <br /><br />Did these problems you're having now occur before the pump was replaced? Or was it replaced for some other reason? If so, what?<br /><br />Keep the info coming...<br /><br />Walt

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: volvo not trimming @1/3 throttle and above

Walter, your time delay relay on the blowers is an interesting idea. But when you say it comes on 20 seconds after you start the motor, I wondered if you had another system to ventilate the bilge BEFORE you hit the key?

 

[Walter]

Re: volvo not trimming @1/3 throttle and above

Fouled...<br /><br />Yep, that's the original blower operated by the dash switch. <br /><br />I've completely changed the original interior over from the "doghouse" type engine cover with rear jumper seats over to a fully enclosed deck with gunwhale to gunwhale bench seat. I was concerned I wouldn't have enough air flow via the fresh air vents, so I installed a second blower to come on and stay on after the engine's started. The time delay relay actually controls a Bosch relay that controls the second blower motor. Kinda anal I know...but hey. It's only money!<br /><br />Walt

 

[mduron1784]

Re: volvo not trimming @1/3 throttle and above

Sorry Walt what I meant by it not coming down is that when it is in the up position and the boat is on the trailer. But the tilt and trim works fine until the motor is about 1/3 throttle, so I am assuming the pistons are not leaking because the motor does not come down when it is on the trailer

 

[Walter]

Re: volvo not trimming @1/3 throttle and above

Ok...so what you're saying is that the hydraulic pressure does not appear to bleed off because when the outdrive is trimmed all the way up it stays there. Gotcha! So, when under power (1/3 throttle or more) the outdrive will not trim up. Sorry to sound so anal, but I'm one of these "step by step" kind of troubleshooters who likes to know the whole story.<br /><br />Like I touched on before, it sure sounds like your hydraulics are weak and cannot overcome the forward prop thrust. Again, there are numerous defects that can cause that... You may have to resort to taking it to a trained tech but there are a few relatively simple things you can check first:<br /><br />1) Fluid level<br />2) Clean and secure electrical connections to the hydraulic pump motor.<br />3) No restrictions (kinks, debris etc) in your hydraulic system.<br /><br />Troubleshooting hydraulics is a fairly easy task if you're set up with the proper equipment. Pressure gauges, schematics, specifications are a must...without which detailed troubleshooting is difficult at best. Look for the easy/obvious things first...then go from there.<br /><br />Maybe someone else reading your post has more experience in this area than I... <br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />Walt