Alpha one tilt / trim: How to flush system?
 

I just bought an older boat, 1995, and would like to do some general maintenance on the thing including replacing the tilt/trim fluid for the outdrive. Aside from taking a turkey baster and sucking up the fluid in the reservoir and replacing it that way, does anyone have a good process, or a 'video', that might be a better, more effective way to do this? I think my rams may be binding up some as I noted some VERY slow response in the 'up' and 'down' functions of my system. I just removed the outdrive for servicing, and noted that it pivoted up and down quite freely. So, problem is likely in one of the two rams if not both. I don't know if this is a possible result of bad fluid in the system, but my fluid looks old, brown, and in need of changing. Fortunately, it's not 'milky' or anything that would indicate any water contamination. So, I'm hopeful that the rams are just tight from lack of use. And, that some fresh fluid along with a few more trips up and down will free them up. Otherwise, I'm thinking 'replacement' may be my only option. Any thoughts or suggestions here would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Tom D.

Check the battery voltage and clean all terminals especially both ends of main power and ground

If the Pump Motor spins good , You probably have a Piston Seal in one of the Rams Bypassing. SEI make decent Replacement Cylinders and complete Pumps.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,....... Disconnect the trim lines at the manifold, under the transom housin', 'n place a catch can under it,......

Pump the rams in, 'n out to push the oil out of 'em,.....
Fill, 'n run the pump, up, then down, til fresh oil comes outa the manifold,.....
Refill, hook the lines back up, 'n run it up, 'n down 8 or 10 times, 'n top off the oil,.....
Yer done,.....

The glands(where the outer seals are) tends to corrode, causin' it to bind up on the rods,......