Alpha 1 Gen 2 shakes when lowered

F

FlyGuy

Member
Jul 26, 2010
32
Houston
Boat Info
2016 21SPX
Engines
Merc 4.5L
2016 21SPX w/4.5L. On trailer, raising and lowering trim via trim switch. Outdrive goes up OK, but when lowering it shakes or 'stutters' intermittently. It will start lowering just fine, and then make a quick little jump and then continue down, sometimes once or twice per cycle).

This problem started over a year ago, and got progressively worse. Finally, I brought it into MarineMax. They replaced the 'end caps' (and O ring and used 'overhaul kit'). $1400 later, it was working fine. Now, 6 weeks later, the problem is starting again. Any technical suggestions?

(BTW, I made sure the boat was level, trim down, and added fluid until the reservior was between Min and Max. Then ran the trim up and down 15 times or so. Problem semed to go away. Next day, same problem.)

Thanks
 
FlyGuy said:
2016 21SPX w/4.5L. On trailer, raising and lowering trim via trim switch. Outdrive goes up OK, but when lowering it shakes or 'stutters' intermittently. It will start lowering just fine, and then make a quick little jump and then continue down, sometimes once or twice per cycle).

This problem started over a year ago, and got progressively worse. Finally, I brought it into MarineMax. They replaced the 'end caps' (and O ring and used 'overhaul kit'). $1400 later, it was working fine. Now, 6 weeks later, the problem is starting again. Any technical suggestions?

(BTW, I made sure the boat was level, trim down, and added fluid until the reservior was between Min and Max. Then ran the trim up and down 15 times or so. Problem semed to go away. Next day, same problem.)

Thanks
Click to expand...

Sound's like it is getting air into the system somehow.
 
Is the fluid level still going down?

This wasn't covered under your 5 year warranty?
 
Fluid level seems constant, and no obvious leakage.

"This wasn't covered under your 5 year warranty?"

The Big Sea Ray Bull.... Engine etc 2 year warranty.
 
Last edited:
FlyGuy said:
Fluid level seems constant, and obvious leakage.
Click to expand...
This sounds contradictory.

It may just not be bled enough - those rams are sometimes difficult and can take a while. Since you just had the work done, I'd take it back to them.

Warranty... whoever told you that is wrong. Either they are misinformed or they just plain lied. Now, if the problem was deemed to be misuse or corrosion or something like that - well, that's a different story as to why it wasn't covered. Although the "backer" of the warranty changes during the years, it DOES carry the 5-year warranty on the engine/drive, as well. Heck, you could even go to a mom & pop Mercruiser shop - you don't have to go to a Sea Ray dealer.
 
My mistake: fluid level seems constant, no obvious leakage. Just fixed that typo.

As for the warranty, I'm still investigating, but SR warranty says "This warranty also does not apply to the following items:

1.Engines, stern drives, controls,... which are not installed by SR or which carry their own individual warranties:"

Mercury Marine does have an warranty, but that expired. The expiration date of the warranty even shows up on Vessel View mobile app.

edit: Just confirmed that with SR. My costly mistake.
 
Last edited:
You confirmed that you DO have a 5-year warranty on the engine or do not?

With no leaks, it either wasn't fully bled to begin with (they trap a lot of little bubbles when opened up) or there's obviously still an issue. Either way, I would think that the servicing dealer would want to know so they can make it right for you.
 
BUT... after the first 2 years (the standard Merc warranty), the engine warranty moves to a third party that is subsidized by Sea Ray. The engine is covered for 5 years. I believe there is a small deductible for years 3-5, but it is covered.
 
Try putting a small amount of lube on rubber mounting bushings on each end of the rams.

Inspect the bushings and studs for proper installation while apart to lube.
 
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