Tilt ram problem

[Dan Gurney]

Morning all,

I have a problem with the tilt ram on my 1993 Yam 85AET: while on tow (i.e. going over bumps etc) it gradually drops to the point where it’s on the trim rams. It will raise and lower ok, it just drops slowly but consistently while on tow. I can’t see any fluid leaking out from round the seal on the piston though the piston itself is probably wetter than you would expect on a split new unit.

I haven’t looked closely at this yet because the problem only manifested itself on the drive back from Anglesey yesterday but does anyone have experience of this or pointers regarding where to look?

Cheers,

Dan

[freespirit3]

God morning

I had a similar problem on our boat many years ago, sounds like a very small leak that is allowing the engine to come down, the weight of the engine and the movement of towing is creating this.

Most outboards have a manual valve under the engine frame linked to the ram and the cylinder to allow you to bleed the fluid when you change this or allow you to lower the engine if there was a problem, it maybe not be fully shut, the electric hydraulic pump will bleed air out when in use and hold the engine steady.

Worth having a look at this valve first before spending any money. hope this helps you

[Nos4r2]

Is the tilt support mising on the motor?

[Dan Gurney]

What is this "tilt support" of which you speak? I'm guessing its some sort of manual lockout type of thing to support the engine so the ram isn't doing it in transit? If so I was unaware that such a thing might exist: ill have a look for it. Would I expect it to engage only in the "fully up" position?

[Nos4r2]

I'll see if I have a pic, but I suspect that if you don't know about it, it's fallen off.

[Nick Hearne]

My 50 yam dose this when I leave it I put the support arm down so the engine dose not drop down as I have had this happen when left on a drying out pontoon!

[9D280]

+1 for checking the screw - (and use a BIG blade screwdriver or you WILL mangle the screw slot......) Screw hole can be found bottom right as you look forward.

If you say the ram is wet, there may be a tiny leak on the ram seal.

Now, the tilt support is an expensive bit of bent metal with your engine manufacturer's name on, as you say, to hold the engine up when towing. A big block of wood works just as well!

I have used two variations - on my old Suz I drilled a bit of 3x3, & used the tilt pin to hold it in place at the bottom. Screwed another bit of 2x2 across the top that I shaped to fit the leg, then had a 4:1 with a jam cleat tackle with 2 snap shackles that clipped onto the tilt pin & held it from bouncing.

The Merc I have another bit of said 3x3, but this one wedges in between the clamp & swivel brackets with suitable grooves cut to allow it to engage & sperad the load a bit. Similar lash- down for the leg is used.

[Nos4r2]

Circled in red. Not a very good pic, but it's a catch you turn through 180 degrees at fill tilt, then trim down til the engine sits on it.

There should be one on each side, linked via a bar.

[9D280]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

I'll see if I have a pic, but I suspect that if you don't know about it, it's fallen off.

Multiple simultaneous posts...... (Most of this is now a much cropped edit!)

I wouldn't personally trust that tiddly bit of pressed steel for towing... (I also block my Aux up for the same reason)

(Cue debate stage left! )

[Nos4r2]

Another simultaneous post

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by 9D280

Multiple simultaneous posts...... (Most of this is now a much cropped edit!)

I wouldn't personally trust that tiddly bit of pressed steel for towing... (I also block my Aux up for the same reason)

(Cue debate stage left! )

It does take the 'down' pressure of the ram, which is probably a damn sight more than you're going to get from a bounce.Ive been towing using it for the last 6 years with the 5.4 and no issues.

[9D280]

Doesn't work on all engines!

Maybe it jsut gets worse the smaller the HP? I can thinkl of dozens of auxes that have suffered bent brackets both toewing and at sea. My old Suz DT25 started to bend, hence why I put the block of wood. Grantred it had no trim ram to hold it up......

[Dan Gurney]

I've been thinking in terms of blocks of wood in the short term also, specially if the weather turns out to be decent this weekend!

[paddlers]

I'm glad nobody patented 'the block of wood'.....
It's the least expensive bit of kit I've got since owning a boat. Bill Higham probably has them (not in stock) but he'll get you one for @ £75 + vat + £8-95 delivery if you have a part number.........

[9D280]

One thing (especially if you are relying on a dodgy trim ram to hold it in place), drill a hole through the wood & put a bit of rope through it to tie round the leg or other suitable anchorage - if it lets go, it's a reasonable lump of timber to put through the windscreen behind you!

[Dan Gurney]

Looking at this, are we talking about 25/26?

[Nos4r2]

Yes, thats the one.

[9D280]

No, more like one of these : Timber Posts – AA Fencing - Security Fencing Suppliers



Joking aside, yes!



(and just for future reference- that link was a random fence post supplier that happened to be top of my google search results.)

[Dan Gurney]

Been up to have a look tonight and found this:



Which look sturdy enough to tow on, specially combined with the tilt ram. I notice there's been a lot of discussion on this topic recently so I'm sure opinions vary but Nos am I right in thinking you have an 85AET on your searider and you tow it with the tilt lock in place? I've had a look at potential wood chocking spot and i can't see a way of doing it which doesn't potentially put pressure on other things one would really rather not put pressure on (eg trim rams).

[paddlers]

On my Mariner 115 I got two lengths of stainless rod of the correct diameter & put them through the holes that take the tilt pin with a clevis pin at each end. Then a block of 3X2 with an old trailer roller at each end secured with a cable tie. Looks a bit Heath Robinson but it's a very solid support but doesn't help the transom at all but the bit of metal on mine designed as a tilt lock looks flimsy !