Trim and Tilt Problems - 2008 Optimax 75

[TexomaGuy]

I've always had a leaky reservoir for the trim and tilt fluid not excessively but nevertheless it leaks. The motor raises and lowers to its full extent just fine while at idle speed however when I give it the throttle the motor will not raise. I stop the motor raises and lowers just fine. What could it be?

To add when I pulled the boat out of the water I found that the boat had water inside up to the drain, I forgot to drain it before the launch, I'm sure that added a lot to the weight of the boat. Could that added weight been the problem?

[Princeton_Man]

It sounds like a weak pump. I'm curious, out of the water if you have someone apply pressure to the lower unit to simulate thrust, will the motor trim up?

[TexomaGuy]

Yes with the motor up I applied all
my weight 200 pounds and the motor didn't budge!

[Princeton_Man]

Yes with the motor up I applied all
my weight 200 pounds and the motor didn't budge!

I was suggesting with the motor down, apply pressure/weight against the lower unit while trying to trim it up.

[TexomaGuy]

Ill try that! Thanks!

[Mike Cork]

You many have lost enough fluid that the system is acting weak. When was the last time you serviced it? If there is enough air in the system it will not have the strength it used to, air compresses.

[TexomaGuy]

I've had the boat 9 years, bought it used. Its never been serviced so it sounds like I need someone to look at it. I have no idea where to start.

[Mike Cork]

You might be able to find a you-tube video detailing how to fill it. It's different for different trim motors but most of them are pretty easy. You'll have to put the motor in the full up or full down position, depending on the procedure, and then their is normally a fill port.

Usually pretty simple.

[TexomaGuy]

I think I misunderstood your question. I check the fluid level frequently. In fact I checked it and filled it before I took the boat out and these problems.

[Princeton_Man]

I agree with Mike, it could behave that way if the fluid is low or there's air in it. The odd thing is that it works when there's very little thrust but not when you have the throttle opened up. To me that suggests the pump itself may be worn to the point that it's not pumping the volume it should. That's why I suggested putting a load against the lower unit while trying to trim up. If the pump runs but struggles to trim up, the pump needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

Now, if the pump motor isn't operating at all when you're above idle, it's most likely a bad electrical connection.

[TexomaGuy]

Thank you. The boat is at my lake house I'll be there tomorrow to do the test of holding down the motor while trying to trim the engine up. I'll let you all know how that goes. Thanks!!!

[Nutoy]

Several things could be going on with the trim/tilt.
First verify that the proper voltage is being supplied.

There are two stages to a trim/tilt system.
Trim - Two pistons push the motor upwards while under a load.
Tilt - One piston lifts the motor to the max up(stow) position after the trim pistons have reached max position. Does not work with the motor under a load.

With the boat on the trailer, motor not running(so you can hear), fully cycle the trim/tilt. Once with no load. Once with someone standing on the cavitation plate.

When you operate the tilt/trim, does the tilt/trim motor sound like it's running at max rpm's, or does it sound like it's dragging?
The trim motor only runs at a designated rpm. Any dragging could indicate a faulty trim/tilt motor.
When you hit the "up", does the motor go all the way up to the "tilt" position.
If it does, the fluid level is probably ok.
If not, the fluid level is probably low, and you will hear the motor cavitating when it trys to pump air.

If it doesn't "trim" up under a load, the seals on the trim pistons could be faulty. The "tilt" is not designed to function under a heavy load.
If it leaks down, the seals could be faulty.

Try these things and let us know what the results are.

[TexomaGuy]

Thanks !