Sterndrive Tilt

GeoBoat

New Member
Feb 27, 2021
10
Boat Info
2006 Sundeck 270
Engines
6.2 L Mercruiser wBravo III drive
Howdy,

2006 Sundeck 270 6.2L Mercruiser Bravo 3

Sorry if I don't have my vocab right.

Please see the below image.
When motoring around today at abt 25kn/3500rpm the stern drive tilt gauge showed that tilt changed to the below image on its own. It did this a couple times today. Each time the tilt rose, I was able to get the tilt to go all the way back down using the control switch on the throttle.

I noticed a very small amount of oil in the bilge water which may or may not be related.
I also found the below washer in the bilge. I check the oil every time before using the boat and would have noticed the washer before using the boat today.

I'm guessing the problem is hydraulic related, but I'm not knowledgeable here.

Is using the boat before a mechanic looks at it likely to cause additional damage?

Thank you for taking the time to reply



Washer.jpg




Sterndrive tilt gauge.jpg
 
Bravo trim piston.jpg


From the limited description I see here, the pistons have a "shock piston (valve)" in them which is basically a relief valve to allow pistons to extend in the event the drive strikes an object.

If the shock valve is not functioning properly, it is possible the drive will lift on it's own when put in reverse. In forward, the pressure exerted will keep the drive down and a bad shock valve won't effect the position.

I would check the trim pump 1st, to be sure none of the valves are leaking in it, then move to the pistons.

That washer had a bolt head or not on it. I would say unrelated.
 
Last edited:
Bill,

Thank you for your reply
 
View attachment 129115

From the limited description I see here, the pistons have a "shock piston (valve)" in them which is basically a relief valve to allow pistons to extend in the event the drive strikes an object.

If the shock valve is not functioning properly, it is possible the drive will lift on it's own when put in reverse. In forward, the pressure exerted will keep the drive down and a bad shock valve won't effect the position.

I would check the trim pump 1st, to be sure none of the valves are leaking in it, then move to the pistons.

That washer had a bolt head or not on it. I would say unrelated.


Bill,

Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my question. I bought the boat in November 2020, making this my second season as a boat owner. There's a lot to learn and people like yourself have really helped me (and I'm sure others) get more enjoyment out of our boats.

The mechanic at the marina where I keep my boat has diagnosed the problem. The issue was/is a problem with the sensor/gauge reading the tilt rather than an actual problem with the sterndrive hydraulics.

First he confirmed there were no apparent leaks and that the hydraulic fluid (and all the other fluids) were at the proper level and in good condition.

When he came onboard, the gauge indicated the drive was up a bit, he pushed the control button to lower the drive and immediately said the drive was down. He said he knew this based on the tone coming from the hydraulic system. The reading on the gauge did not change when he tried to lower it.

He then raised the sterndrive and then lowered it. The hydraulic system initially made one tone and after a couple seconds changed to another tone. When he did this, the gauge changed to show the sterndrive was now in the lower position.

He told me that over the years this is a problem he has seen before.

This makes sense, as the gauge would rise when the boat was moving forward and reverse was working normally.

Thanks.
 
Glad to hear it's the trim switch. They do get water in them sometimes and fail. I, personally, have not seen one drift like that. Ones I have changed just crapped out completely or get complete erratic..

They are a PITA to change, but can be done by anyone that has some mechanical talent.

Usually both the trim limit and sender are done at the same time, for obvious reasons.

If you are doing it yourself, I have a Mercruiser manual that shows how.
 

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