77 Sea Ray OMC 800 Outdrive Won't Go Up or Down

[ski4funn]

Does anyone have any ideas why my outdrive sometimes won't go up or down when I am ready to trailer the boat. When I hit the switch, it just clicks - nothing more. Usually after several attempts it finally works. Secondly, are there two grease fittings where the outdrive attach's to the stern of the boat - how do I access them???

1977 Sea Ray Sterndrive OMC800

Thanks for all your help folks...

 

[mikesouthwick]

when you hear the click and it doesent move . hold the switch down and ck to see if you have power at the tilt motor. you could try a switch they are cheap and easy to install. i would ck the selinoid. there are two for the tilt. you also have two for the trim and one for the starter. it sounds like a bad connection or a switch. there are two fittings on the back i think they have a rubber plug that you have to remove to greese.

 

[half_full]

My bet would be solenoids. Have someone work the switch and test power into and out of both solenoids.

 

[jitts3]

If it clicks the switch is fine. its the soluniid or motor.
They are on top of the bellhousing. Here is a pic of my electric shift. solunoids are circled.

One way to eliminate the motor being bad. Will it somtimes go up or somtimes go down. If acts up in only one dirrection, then look toward the one of the two relay. If it acts up in both dirrections, look for a bad motor or faulty wiring between the motor and relay. check for corrosion at the motors connection.

 

[ski4funn]

Thanks Jitts3. Yea, the unit does hesitate both up and down (I guess motor or connection problems). Looking at the pictures, would this motor be inside the boat where the engine is located or on the outdrive? Are the relays or solenoid the same thing?? Would you by chance have a closer picture for me to reference what I'm looking for? Thanks for all the information to you and everyone.

 

[jitts3]

Thanks Jitts3. Yea, the unit does hesitate both up and down (I guess motor or connection problems). Looking at the pictures, would this motor be inside the boat where the engine is located or on the outdrive? Are the relays or solenoid the same thing?? Would you by chance have a closer picture for me to reference what I'm looking for? Thanks for all the information to you and everyone.

Solinoids are just big relays. they work th same way just wth a greater power handling ability.

 

[CoralReefer]

I'm having this same issue. Can anyone give me an idea of the exact location of the selenoids? I hear the click but nothing either up or down.

 

[Mooner]

Guys,

My OMC 800 did the same thing. I used a hydraulic jack and placed under the tip of the stern drive, taking the weight off the unit. Next, I removed the gear piece located on the port side of the drive unit. I lowered the jack just a bit, replaced the gear and it worked fine. I just need to remember not to raise the drive unit too far, as it gets "stuck" sometimes. Not a hard fix at all.
Hope this helps....
Mooner

 

[chris41483]

Probably the motor. Mine used to do that all the time. I finally ordered a new motor, and sold the boat before I had a chance to put it in. I still have it, actually. The grease fittings are under the rubber bump stops for the steering. Just pull them off, and you will see the fittings. Also, feel around the back of the drive just above where the lower unit and upper come together; there is a hole with a grease fitting recessed in there for the steering pivot. Make sure you grease this, there is no bearing, just friction.

 

[jitts3]

Guys,

My OMC 800 did the same thing. I used a hydraulic jack and placed under the tip of the stern drive, taking the weight off the unit. Next, I removed the gear piece located on the port side of the drive unit. I lowered the jack just a bit, replaced the gear and it worked fine. I just need to remember not to raise the drive unit too far, as it gets "stuck" sometimes. Not a hard fix at all.
Hope this helps....
Mooner

OK by doing this you changed where the motor comes to a stop. It had a bad comutator. The part that the brush contacts. This will work for now.

I'm having this same issue. Can anyone give me an idea of the exact location of the selenoids? I hear the click but nothing either up or down.

On electric shift like mine they were on top of the bellhousing. I believe on the 400/800s they are on the port side of the engine on the block or more rearward. They look somthing like this.

 

[SCORPIO]

On OMC 800 Stingers they are mounted on a metal plate attached to the front left (port) side of the engine block. Replace them both and clean the ground wires and other connections while you're at it.

 

[hucksterfool]

can u change the motor with boat in the water? i have a 77 classic 240 sundancer and my motor runs i hear it but the outdrive doesnt tilt. 12v to motor...

 

[SCORPIO]

Yes you can change the tilt motor from inside the boat. Sounds like the motor is OK if its running. What may have happened is either the "hammer blow" coupling is broken, or more likely, the drive shaft that connects the motor to the tilt worm gear is broken. Its a pencil sized steel rod with a notch cut in the motor end and two tiny roll pins driven thru the other end. It isn't very robust and can break easily. Its about $10 and is a Sierra part.