Trim Fluid

S

s2kdrifter

New Member
May 6, 2012
14
Seattle
Boat Info
185 Sport 2004
Engines
4.3L Merc
Hey guys, I have a 2004 SeaRay 185 Sport and my trim reservoir is a little low. I have the Quiksilver Power trim and steering fluid but I'm not sure exactly what I have in the reservoir currently. It looks like motor oil (brownish) color with no odor. The power trim fluid also has a similar tone (I was expecting reddish color like ATF) but has an odor that's kind of like ATF. Any ideas? Thanks.
 
The Merc stuff is made such that it will mix with anything. It's more expensive than straight 30 or ATF, but the mixability is it's big advantage.

Now, why is it low? Any obvious signs of leaking on either the inside of outside of boat? Keep an eye on it.
 
I just had the same problem. It took me awhile to figure out where the leak was coming from and it turned out be a leak from my outdrive (lower unit). So, I took off the lower unit and replaced all the gaskets and O rings (took most of the day and about $50). Problem seems to be fixed.
 
I'm monitoring for leaks but at this point I think it just needs to be topped off. So you think it is ok to mix in the quicksilver power trim and steering fluid?
 
Following up on this. I haven't had a chance to top off the fluid. The weather has been crappy since my last post. However, I noticed that my drive is drooping. (I park it in my garage with drive down). Over a day or two the skeg touches the ground. Is it possible, it has air in the system? I'll have to take a closer look on potential leaks. Any ideas?

Thanks
 
Unlikely to have air - after a few cycles up and down it will bleed itself. Look for leaks inside and outside. If it's dirty, clean it up real good with a degreaser like Simple Green so you can check back later to see where the leak originates. You might get lucky and find one of the fittings is loose.
 
Thanks Dennis. Took a closer look at it today and compared the Quiksilver PS fluid with what's in the tank. The tank definitely looks like motor oil with a brown tone. The PS fluid is clear. I decided not to mix and will get the SAE 0W30.

Took a quick look did not see any leaks. Anyhow it is close to MIN, I'm going to fill it and run the trim up and down a few times and then monitor.

Thanks all, I'll keep everyone in the loop.
 
Went to West Marine, they didn't have the quicksilver or sae 0w30. Going to hit up Sea Ray tomorrow, amazon is $28 shipped.
 
You can get straight 30 (not 0-30) at any auto parts store for a couple bucks.

That's odd that WM didn't have trim fluid - that's a very common part to stock. Did they have it in the Merc bottle (black)? Same stuff as QS.
 
Last edited:
Yes, SAE30 is straight 30. "Straight" means single viscosity - not a multi vis.
 
Filled it up with SAE 30 (Delo brand). Cycled the drive up and down 10 times. Will check again tomorrow. Thanks Dennis
 
Thanks Bt! That's a good doc.

For update, I checked the drive and it looks to be about the same position as last night! Will check again tomorrow.
 
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