Alpha Trim Issue

[H2ONUT]

Alpha Gen2 Drive.

When I put the boat away last Sunday I had the drive down while flushing the motor. After flushing I used the trim up till the drive stopped. I did not use the trailer button to bring the drive fully up.

Tonight I went out to get the boat ready for tomorrow and when I hit the trailer button the pump motor runs but the drive won’t go up. I tried to lower the drive and had the same issue, the motor runs but the drive doesn’t move.

Any thoughts on what might be wrong?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Is the drive all the way up or all the way down?

 

[H2ONUT]

It is up as far as it will go using the trim up thumb switch on the shifter. It’s at the point that the trailer button needs to be be used to bring it up fully.

 

[Little Ducky]

Have someone put a little downward pressure on the outdrive while to use the button inside the boat to see if you can get things moving again. Once down check your trim
fluid levels.

 

[Lazy Daze]

If the motor is spinning, but there's no movement of the drive, look for low fluid and/or leak (inside or outside). Note that if you find it low on fluid, that most likely also means there's a leak.

On the lines of what Ducky said... inside the trim rams are these little spacers/sliders. If they got cockeyed or broken they can cause the rams to bind. Try that pressure thing that Ducky said - but don't be afraid to grab the anti-ventilation plate and lift/push REALLY hard - as hard as you can - almost like "jiggling it". You won't damage anything.

 

[H2ONUT]

Found the issue, the pump bracket broke and the pump was laying on its side. Put it back upright and the drive moved. Time to find a new bracket!

If the motor is spinning, but there's no movement of the drive, look for low fluid and/or leak (inside or outside). Note that if you find it low on fluid, that most likely also means there's a leak.

On the lines of what Ducky said... inside the trim rams are these little spacers/sliders. If they got cockeyed or broken they can cause the rams to bind. Try that pressure thing that Ducky said - but don't be afraid to grab the anti-ventilation plate and lift/push REALLY hard - as hard as you can - almost like "jiggling it". You won't damage anything.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yup, that would do it!

Google for Mercruiser stainless steel trim pump bracket. No need to buy an over-priced regular steel bracket.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Oh... don't be too concerned if the drive moves kinda funky for a while. There's a good chance you got air in the lines and possibly the rams. It'll just take a while for it to bleed out. The more you use it, the faster it will get better. There's nothing special you need to do to bleed it - just up/down/up/down/etc. But there's lot's of places for the air to get stuck so it can take some time.

 

[Jeff Delbuono]

I had to replace mine this year. Dont get oem. This is 1/3 the price and stainless. Love e bay for boats

 

[H2ONUT]

Ok what’s the correct fluid for the pump? I’m finding 3 different choices. It’s a 2000, has the clear tank with the yellow cap.

 

[Jeff Delbuono]

I use merc trim / power steering fluid

 

[BillK2632]

Ok what’s the correct fluid for the pump? I’m finding 3 different choices. It’s a 2000, has the clear tank with the yellow cap.

Mercruiser Power Trim and Steering Fluid.
10w30 or 10w40 motor oil.

I had to flush mine out a few years ago and started using 10w40. If you are just topping off I would just get the Mercruiser Trim Fluid and not mix it with motor oil.

 

[Jeff Delbuono]

Several things i always keep on boat. Merc trim / power steering fluid for trim pumps and power steering. Merc drive fluid for reserve tanks on both motors. Atf fluid for trim tab pumps ( trans fluid ) and 10w-30 for motors. I check all them before heading out for the day. Nothing kills a trip with friends faster then having to run to the store while they are sitting on the dock waiting