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Need Help With Trim Problem, Please.

John Haggerty

Contributing Member
I have a 1989 70 hp with electric/hydraulic trim and tilt. The switch on the engine has been dying over time. First the up direction died and now it's completely dead. Now the switch on the throttle handle is a problem. The switch only works in the down direction. Any ideas? Is it as simple as new switches?

Second part of my problem is that the engine is down all the way and I can't figure how to raise it. Is there some kind of lock somewhere that will allow me to tilt it manually? Can I jump the switch on the engine and maybe raise it that way?

Thanks in advance for your help!

John
 
Trace the wires from the electric tilt/trim motor back to its black junction box. There are two relays inside that box... swith them.

If the mode changes to the opposite node, that is... now only the "up" mode works, you have one bad relay.

If however, the problem remains the same (down only works), in all probability the PTT switch is bad.

At the lower outside portion of the transom bracket, you will see a small hole. Inside that hole you will see a slotted screw (manual release valve). Back that valve out two (2) turns only (no further!). That will allow you to raise and lower the engine manually.

Yes, you can jump the wires leading from the PTT switch to test the relays etc.... Red to Green... and... Red to Blue.
 
Thanks for the information. I wish I knew about the screw to release the motor while stuck on an oyster bar!

It's the switches that have gone bad. Jumping the switches proved that (should have thought of that while stuck). Changed the control switch out for less than $10 and it works fine. I ordered a new cowl switch and should have it in this week.

Lesson learned. I have a detailed motor repair manual. Keep it in the boat!
 
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