1976 21’ Fiberform with 165 hp Mercruiser I/O.
Just when I thought that I had all of the winter jobs done and was ready to take the boat for the first spring test run I discovered a new problem. The stern drive trim system is having issues. The system worked flawlessly through the fall and also when tested after completing rewiring a few weeks ago. However, when testing it last week the stern drive trimmed down no problem but was extremely slow to come back up. While activating the Up buttons I could hear the engine working, but also air bubbling under pressure. When I had a look at the pump I found the hydraulic line under the fluid tank to be dripping frothy oil that had clearly been leaking out of the system under pressure from above.
Due to there being limited work space I could not determine the exact source of the leak. I had to remove the motor for closer inspection and did not find any leaks around the bottom of the unit. The seals seem intact. The source of the leak is either where the line screws into the motor (maybe it somehow worked itself loose?) or on the fittings of the hydraulic line itself (seems a lot more likely to me). Being old it seems like the logical solution is to just replace the hydraulic line and fittings, but the problem is that I have no access to where the other end of this line fastens because of where the engine and lower unit are mounted. I cannot even access them visually or with a camera for a proper inspection. I don’t know how this could be accessed without removing the entire engine, or at least the leg. As an added complication, there is no slack in the line. It’s not like it could be cut to have a new fitting crimped on.
I hoping there might be some people here with similar experiences who might be able to make some suggestions. If I end up having to take it to the pros I will, but I’m trying to learn to do as much as I can to learn to deal with issues that come up where/when mechanics aren’t available. I’ll include some relevant photos. Thanks.
Just when I thought that I had all of the winter jobs done and was ready to take the boat for the first spring test run I discovered a new problem. The stern drive trim system is having issues. The system worked flawlessly through the fall and also when tested after completing rewiring a few weeks ago. However, when testing it last week the stern drive trimmed down no problem but was extremely slow to come back up. While activating the Up buttons I could hear the engine working, but also air bubbling under pressure. When I had a look at the pump I found the hydraulic line under the fluid tank to be dripping frothy oil that had clearly been leaking out of the system under pressure from above.
Due to there being limited work space I could not determine the exact source of the leak. I had to remove the motor for closer inspection and did not find any leaks around the bottom of the unit. The seals seem intact. The source of the leak is either where the line screws into the motor (maybe it somehow worked itself loose?) or on the fittings of the hydraulic line itself (seems a lot more likely to me). Being old it seems like the logical solution is to just replace the hydraulic line and fittings, but the problem is that I have no access to where the other end of this line fastens because of where the engine and lower unit are mounted. I cannot even access them visually or with a camera for a proper inspection. I don’t know how this could be accessed without removing the entire engine, or at least the leg. As an added complication, there is no slack in the line. It’s not like it could be cut to have a new fitting crimped on.
I hoping there might be some people here with similar experiences who might be able to make some suggestions. If I end up having to take it to the pros I will, but I’m trying to learn to do as much as I can to learn to deal with issues that come up where/when mechanics aren’t available. I’ll include some relevant photos. Thanks.
