Any advice, outdrive only going down 3/4 in water ?

[Jasonvancouver]

hi everyone :

The last 2 times I have launched my boat, the outdrive doesn't seem to want to drop all of the way down. On the first outing ( last weekend)... after the outdrive wouldn't drop all of the way; I put it back on the trailer and sprayed WD 40 on the cylinder rails on either side of the drive ( I know, probably not the best lubricant, but it was all I had). Well, it worked and I was able to get the drive down when back in the water.

When I returned home, after that outing, I greased the rails with quick silver teflon grease and ran the outdrive up and down several times with no problem.

Today was my second outing. Prior to leaving for the ramp, I again made sure that the outdrive was raising and lowering completely. However, when I got it into the water... same problem.... it dropped only 3/4 of the way. I am thinking of taking it into the mechanic this week, as the 4th is coming up.

However, any last minute things I may check that wouldn't be to labor or time intensive? I am sort of racing against the clock here, as I have another repair that needs attention asap.

I inspected the drive and couldn't visually see anything.

Again, on dry land the outdrive seems to work perfectly, going up and down without any hesitation.

Any thoughts on last minute ideas to try before taking it to the mechanic ??

edited by Jason on 6/24/2012
edited by Jason on 6/24/2012
edited by Jason on 6/24/2012

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Beginner Boater with:
18 ft, 1997 Searay 185
4.3 Liter, V6

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[src]

First, it would be nice to see pictures of the extended rods on the trim cylinders, to get an idea of their condition. Second, are you storing the boat with the engine up in trailer position, or are you lowering it once you get it parked?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Did you hit anything recently? Fluid good (doubtful this is the problem, though)? Does the motor keep making a sound while it's trying to go down? It sounds like the interior spacers/guides are broken. The hydraulic rams will need to be torn apart and rebuilt.

 

[Jasonvancouver]

Did you hit anything recently? Fluid good (doubtful this is the problem, though)? Does the motor keep making a sound while it's trying to go down? It sounds like the interior spacers/guides are broken. The hydraulic rams will need to be torn apart and rebuilt.

Thank, Dennis. No, I don't believe I have hit anything. The outdrive is stored down in my garage ( only way I can get it to fit). Yes, the motor continues to may a sound when it is trying to go down.

Sounds like it's time to take it into the shop.