I have a 2001 merc 150 XR6 and have been having problems since the cold hit. When I hit the trim switch the motor hesitates to move until you can eventually just hear the solenoids click with no movement of the motor. I took the trim motor loose and water drained out. Now it's working fine. Is it possible to replace a seal or do you have to replace the trim motor? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Water or trim fluid? If it was water, I would be concerned with water in the trim fluid also. There is a seal that keeps the trim fluid from going into the motor, then there are 0rings the seal the motor from water, but there is no seal that would keep water that was in the motor from entering the trim system.
Would need to know which motor was used to tell if seals are still available.
John

It is water that comes out when I loosen the trim motor bolts. as soon as the water come out the motor will start working again. Ive checked the trim fluid and it is full. The trim motor is located on the right side when looking at it and its the round style with 2 wire connectors. If I go out daily and bump the trim up and down it will work fine but its when I let it sit it acts up and I have to take the bolts out and drain the water out before it will work again. Thanks, Zach

Carfuly reseal it with Pematex RTV Black.

Alright I was thinking about doing that but wasn't sure. I'll give it a try now. Thanks for the help!

I took my trim motor off and here are some pictures. Anyone know what needs to be done here? Possibly clean up and reseal or get a new trim motor? Just curious as of what causes this? Thanks ahead of time!

I would remove the manual relaese valve, with the motor on it's tilt lock, and look at the fluid. If it is contaminated with water you should remove the whole trim system, clean and reseal. Replace the motor and there you go.

Removed the valve and let some fluid drain out and it's not milky looking so I think I'm good with just replacing the motor. Hopefully getting one tomorrow and trying it out. Should I just top the fluid back off with ATF? I believe that's what is in it right now. Thanks for your help!

Motor don't look bad -- i've seen worse. The brush is sticking cause the water and graphite brush dust has caused a paste. A good cleaning and reseal and you would be good to go.

Alright I'll give that a try in the morning when I get home from work. Hopefully saves me some money and fixes the problem so I can get out to the lake and try out my new HDS 8!

Yes ATF will work. Fill it and run it up and down a few times to cycle out the air.