My dad's 40HP mercury's trim does not work. The switch seems OK. It clicks and the trim noise seems normal.

Question

The switch seems OK. It clicks and the trim noise seems normal. A tech had told me to pull out the manual release s***w to check the seal, but fluid came out and it didn't look like there was any seal on the s***w as I quickly returned it to prevent more fluid escaping. Any ideas to fix? And, if not, shouldn't I be able to lift the motor up when I unloosen the s***w 3 turns? What would prevent me from lifting it? Two inches is all I can lift it and it stops.

Answer 1

hi check that its in neutral or reverse befor you try to raise it...  I had a merc 15  and was told that up to  mrc 75 they have to be in reverse to trim up or they will click...  try that...

Answer 2

If your switch is working and the motor is working, then you have a fluid movement issue. Either your manual lift s***w has a bad connection or you may be low on fluid. A little trick I learned working in the marine business is to have someone hold the trim button "up" while you pull up on the motor. Don't try to jerk it up, just literally try to lift really hard, and there's a good chance it may move. Other than that, you're best bet would be to get a new trim motor and kiss the problem goodbye. Good Luck with your boat.