I have no problem trimming my motor up but it doesn't stay. It comes down very slowly all by itself. Any ideas what it might be?

did you check the fluid ??]
sounds like its low on fluid...

If it's bleading down you either have Bad Seals on the Ram Pistions, Bad over pressure/ By Pass Valve seat seal, or Low fluid level. It's also possible there is some air in the hydralic system.

You can try bleading the air by opening the vent (spring loaded knob) on the reservior. Run the motor up and open then vent close the vent and run it down, run it back up and open the valve again... like bleading your brakes. Each time you run it up and down less air should escape when you open the vent. After a tilt unit sits idle over the winter air can get in the system... air will let the motor appear to blead down.

I would also check the Manual Release Valve screw to make sure it's firmly seated. If you have ever had Tilt & Trim failure and had to use the manual release.. the screw may have backed out?? This screw holds the by pass valve in place and will let fluid escape back to the reservior unless firmly seated.

Bazz

Now I have to ask the "I'm dumb" question. Where would I check the fluid at. I am by no means mechanically enclined.

Usually there is a slotted screw on one corner and you undo that screw and add away.

is there a special kind of fluid or can I use like regular ATF?

does this pic help at all. didn't see a slotted screw. took off that knob on the right side and blackish grey fluid started coming out of it.

Tx Sensation

Thats the Hydralic Pump and Electric pump Motor... the screw you had out primes the pump and/ or drains the Hyd system.

The reservior is between the engine hinges below the ram that lifts the engine. You add fluid at the top of the reservior.

There should be a spring loaded Relife Valve Knob that you can turn by hand. Take it out and add fluid there.

If your TnT fluid is black it's time to change it out. Take that same Drain Screw you had out before and drain that nasty stuff out and refill it with new fluid.

Check with your local Marine Dealer for new fluid... it varries by Manufacturer and engine model.

Bazz

Bazztex, what color should it be? More like new motoroil?

Also, what kind of motor is this, year and hp?

is that what I'm looking for the pentagon looking thing. my motor is a 91 merc force 120hp

The knurled knob you are referring to is were the fluid is added fill till it runs out that hole in the down position the fluid should be the color of ATF sounds like that if it is a grayish color the seal between the electric motor and the resevoir is bad and as for the leaking down more than likely the valve body is bad and they are non rebuildable and I hate to tell you but that the pump is no longer available from Mercury but they are available from some aftermarket companies Seiera or ARCO .....OPTI

Tx Sensation

I'm with Opti.. from the age of that engine and the color of the Hyd Fluid it's Toast... as he says they are not rebuildable because there aren't any rebuild kits available. Besides that the components in the pump and hyd rams are worn from age... rebuilding the seals and valves wouldn't last long.

Some of the older Merc/ Force Tilt and Trims had an Internal Reservior next to the transom on the inside / Bilge area behind the gas tank. The newer models have the reservior and pump molded as one unit between the motor mount/ hinge brackets.

I'd go see Opti and get you a replacement.

Bazz

Thanks for the input. Opti I sent you a pm

Anyone know what kind of fluid to get for a 78 Johnson 140 HP