Alpha I gen I won't trim up

[SCORPIO]

Took my daughter and her BF out the other day and noticed that the starboard drive would not trim up. I can get it to go up using the trailer switch but not the trim button in the shifter. Does this sound like the 'up' solenoid on the trim pump is bad? If so, does anyone know the part number for those so I can order one ASAP.
Thanks

 

[techmitch]

Sounds like trim limit switch on starboard dirve. I got $20.00 on it!

 

[SteveRuss]

You need to diagnose the system. Do the easy stuff first. Take a wire with 2 alligator clips and test a) the solenoid and the b) the pump motor first to rule those out. These are the easiest to test and change. After that you can move onto the more difficult items: trim switch at the helm, trim limit switch etc. for 1, take the alligator clip and attach to the main power on the trim assembly, This would be the nut in the center of the plastic 110 amp block fuse. Attach the other end to the solenoid post with the blue white wire. If the trim moves up replace the solenoids. If still nothing, check the pump. Remove the clip from blue white solenoid post and attach to top nut on the assembly (top of four) that also has a blue white wire. If still nothing then the pump is bad. Beyond that you'll need a good service manual to test the rest. If the solenoid is bad, change both. Cheap insurance. Since the trailer switch works, sounds like the pump is OK. BUt check the solenoids before you tackle anything tougher

 

[GrandMaster]

If it will trim up on the trailer switch but not the throttle button there are basically two likely causes...90% chance its a bad limit switch.

Does it trim down with the throttle switch? Theres a much smaller chance it could be the throttle switch or switch wiring itself.

 

[SCORPIO]

I can trim up with the trailer switch, so motor is OK. I can trim down with the trottle switch, just not up. I'm going to check the solenoids but it could be the limit switches. I had both indicator and limit swithes replaced in '09 so they may be going out again.

 

[GrandMaster]

The limit switches do have adjustment screws on them to set the limit...might want to look and see of theey have moved.

 

[Bt Doctur]

when you check could you post a pic of the wiring to the limit switch.I suspect you`ll find it corroded open and green.most likely have a lot of electrolsys in that area also.
I have a fix for that issue.

 

[SCORPIO]

Is this the wiring at the limit switch or the wires on the solenoid? The boat is wet slipped so anything that requires access to the limit switch puck is going to have to wait 'til haulout. I'll clean everything in the boat I can but I may need to wait til fall to find the problem. BTW, I had the bellows replaced and new pumps and hoses installed last winter by the yard that stored the boat. I wonder if they distrubed something while doing the work.

 

[SCORPIO]

I replaced the up solenoid and no change
I pulled the helm switch and swapped the words and the drive trimmed up. So the switch is bad. Where do I get one if these?

 

[SCORPIO]

I found a switch at a local Merc dealer, HOWEVER there is a problem. Seems the new switch is made in China and has a different paddle than the original and so won't fit in the control handle. I took it back and he contacted Merc tech support and after about an hour of research, they said they were aware of the issue but that it is the only switch available. They said it should have come with a tag attached stating "MODIFY AS NEEDED"! What they advised is to use a Dremel tool and modify the handle cap to accept the new switch, which I had tought about but dismissed. SO I took the Dremel to the cap and I now have functioning trim on the Stbd side.