Alpha Trim Problem - Won't go down
 

Got my new engine installed and going down the list of stuff to do-

Got the outdrive bolted on and everything worked well last year.

The trim will bring the drive up and this is reflected on the trim gauge, but it will not go down. Both solenoids seem to be working. The pump runs in both up and down selections on the switch and I hear the solenoid clicking with each direction. The limit switch works when I put the drive up.

I opened the "bleeder" screw on the trim pump as it says to move the drive manually, but I can;t move the drive.

This boat has/had a Merc 260 350 SBC/ Alpha One combo.

Any help would be appreciated!

Jim,

Sounds like you have a hydro lock. I have had this happen before and I tried this: Disconnect the hoses from both rams and run the pump. You'll need a container to catch the oil. The drive should collapse the rams as soon as you release the pressure. Re-connect the hoses and run back through the cycles. I'm not sure why this works but I think it has something to do with the ports for oil flow in the rams.

Make sure that you have the hoses connected properly....it's easy to get them crossed up. If you do, the pump will always apply pressure to extend the rams but will not allow the pressure to release in order to pull the drive down.

Hope this works for you...it did for me.

You could also have a ram that is partially frozen?

Thanks guys- I'll continue tonight! Goal is to finally use it this weekend.

I have a ram that is seized, with it unbolted things work as usual. Glad I have another boat to rob one off of :) Thanks for the clues.