92 Four Winns 4.3 Cobra.
Last year I noticed the outdrive would loose some trim extension as it sat on the trailer over the weekend. Checked fluid level and external leaks but this does not seem to be the problem, the bypass is snugged too. I have the drive pulled to reseal the lower prop shaft and replace a torn exhaust bellow (going to use an OEM part this time) and thought about diagnosing this trim issue also. I have a local hydraulic shop that could test the components if I bring them in, but is there some on boat diagnosis I can do first, to pinpoint which component is failing? The motor spins fine, the rams extend and contract and I don't have a problem with it in day to day use, but I know it will get worse.
Can I place long pipe clamps on the rams and apply some pressure to see if one collapses more easily? If I just compress one ram now the other extends, so that doesn't pinpoint anything. I purchased a couple of used rams on ebay over the winter (cheap) and had them rebuilt, but I don't like throwing parts after a problem.
Thanks
Last year I noticed the outdrive would loose some trim extension as it sat on the trailer over the weekend. Checked fluid level and external leaks but this does not seem to be the problem, the bypass is snugged too. I have the drive pulled to reseal the lower prop shaft and replace a torn exhaust bellow (going to use an OEM part this time) and thought about diagnosing this trim issue also. I have a local hydraulic shop that could test the components if I bring them in, but is there some on boat diagnosis I can do first, to pinpoint which component is failing? The motor spins fine, the rams extend and contract and I don't have a problem with it in day to day use, but I know it will get worse.
Can I place long pipe clamps on the rams and apply some pressure to see if one collapses more easily? If I just compress one ram now the other extends, so that doesn't pinpoint anything. I purchased a couple of used rams on ebay over the winter (cheap) and had them rebuilt, but I don't like throwing parts after a problem.
Thanks