How to rebuild power trim motor for a 1976 85HP motor?

Question

The power trim slowly started getting slower and drawing more power from the battery till it just quit working.The motor has fluid in it but I'm not sure how to tell if it's full and the motor isn't running anyway when you push up or down can I rebuild it?

Answer 1

BEFORE anything, check the solenoids on the motor.

They can be fixed. Many years ago I fixed them at a boat shop. Most just needed "Brushes" and the armature cleaned up. First you need to get the motor/pump out. The motor itself have 2 screws on top, they as long as the motor. Mark the housing with the pump so you put it back the same, it not matter, but, your friends will think you know what you doing. ;-) You may need to gently tap the housing to break it loose (Paint is like glue). Then take it a part, there nothing to worry about. The trouble is getting it back together, so, watch how it come apart. There only 3 pieces. Armature, housing and cap with the brushes. I think boat stores sell the cap with brushes which is easy. If, you know how to solder your brushes onto the cap, NAPA Auto Parts or some Industrial Supplies have them. A lot cheaper if you can solder. They may need to see the old brushes to match them up.

Put the Armature in a variable speed drill. I use a towel and clamp the drill in a vise or two people will be needed. One hold the drill and you take Emory cloth and clean the copper. I hold the cloth so it wrap ½ around and gentle presser work it back and forth up and down the copper. Stay only on the copper and off wires. Then spray with an electrical cleaner. Clean out the housing with your spray. Put housing bank on pump, then gently insert armature. It tricky as the magnets work against you, but, you figure that out. Now ALL I have said is easy. I just not good at explaining. Here comes the hard part. Getting the cap with the brushes back on. I strip some copper wire from whatever you have. You just need a few thin wires and hold the brushes all the way in. Just twist the holding wire 1-2 times so it hold and work the cp down over the armature. Then remove the wire so the brushes release. Put the cap on down and try to get the screws straight, I gently tighten them until it straight may need to wiggle the housing a little.

Now, I not good telling this, but, it is easy. If, you not think you can do this, take it to a Starter/Alternator repair shop, NOT a boat dealer. Starter repair shop be cheap and they probably have the brushes too.