Power Trim

I had an issue with my power trim while at Sardis a couple of weeks ago. It just clicked like there was a solenoid stuck and mouldn't move. Loosened the maual relief valve to lower it and was able to troll. Tried it for grins a hour into trolling and found it working. Loose wire maybe? they all seem tight.1984 Champion with Mercury 150 outboard. Dealer in MS said I need a new trim pump motor. Can it be rebuilt? Man said the motor is about $1000. One guy thought it might be from having it stored with the transom saver locking it into the same position all the time. Anybody experience this?

I would check the relays first and most trim motors can be rebuilt. Have you tried the hammer trick? Have someone run the switch and give the trim motor a little love. If the motor is stuck this could help loosen it

I have found in most cases if motor is not used an awful lot some of the trim motor brushes start sticking to armature and can't arc to get motor started. Like toothed said click it on and off while tapping upper end of motor where brushes are. I don't recommend a hammer. Get a large screw driver and use the handle end to tap with. If this works the motor can usually be cleaned up and made to work. Remove motor, disassemble, use fine Emory cloth to clean armature until shinny copper color. Use starting fluid to clean brush holders and springs. Make sure brushes are sliding in holders properly. Carbon dust will build up in brush holder keeping the brush from sliding.

Thanks for the help fellas, I will try cleanin her up!

Mine did that last weekend--was the down trim button on the wheel--did it while I was loading the boat--needless to say--I don't have that one hooked up anymore:)

Cray knows his stuff helped me out

If you can hear it click its probalby the motor, tap with plastic mallet. Also check them relays use same method but a smaller tapping devise. Arced burnt and dirty contacts in either place.

arco sells the trim motor for 350.00 to 450.00 had to get one 2 years ago for my merc 150

My '94 Yamaha 85 hp was doing the same thing except it would click when going up. I had two different mechanics tell me my trim motor had to be replaced. I think the cost for a new motor was about $375. I wasn't very thrilled at the prospect of spending the money without knowing for sure the motor was the problem so I came up with a way to satisfy myself for sure. I made two sets of "jumper" wires. I took two 3' long pieces of 12 gauge wire and crimped alligator clips on each end. I disconnected the two wires coming from the trim motor and using my jumpers I attached them directly to the battery (just switch the two wires from positive to negative to test the motor in both directions). I was able to determine that my motor was just fine and replaced the relay for $95 and I'm back in business. Hope this helps!

Kenny

I had the motor rebuilt for $50, put it back in, checked the relays, which were ok. Fixed one wire that looked frayed, tried it and it worked great. Thanks for all the advice! Just hope it works when I get to Sardis next weekend!

If yours is an 84 (same model as boat), it will have solenoids instead of relays. You can jump across the solenoids to determine if it were a solenoid problem. Since you've had the motor cleaned and repaired, in your case solenoids are ruled out. As stated above, lack of use will cause brushes to stick. Do NOT hit with a hard object. bumping is ok, however some motors use magnets and hitting it will break the magnets. I can get these trim motors and have them shipped to you. I also repair them in my shop, but sometimes shipping back and forth with the repair bill is as much as I can get you the new motor.
John