Power Trim failed on twin Suzukis

[rdennisak]

This is my first post as a C-Brat. We recently acquired "Last Frontier" - a 2008 22' Cruiser. After the proper ceremonies, we renamed her "Solstice".

I have been going through her to clean up all the wiring and systems. She has performed well in our 4 outings in the past few weeks.

I thought I had everying under control; I have replaced anything that was not working, gone through all the wiring and put in new AGM group 24 batteries.

When prepping her tonite for an outing tomorrow, the motors (2) raised slowly, but lowered OK. I suspected the voltage on the batteries, but they checked out. I put them on the charger anyway. After further testing of the PTT, the performance degraded to the point that they would not move up or down at all.

Mind you, we are talking about TWIN outboards; each with its own battery - totally independant of the other!

I was totally perplexed that they were both behaving the same - how could this be? I could understand one of them acting odd, but not both. There have been no problems with the PTT prior to today.

I checked the wiring; reviewed the manual; checked the relays; checked the fluid levels; checked all connections;

I can hear the relays clicking but do not hear the motors making any noises. I connected a 12V batter to the terminal of the PTT but nothing happens.

After all this, I narrowed it down to the electric motors of the PTTs. But still I am perplexed that BOTH would fail at the same time.

I then tried something that has worked on electric motors in the past, such as starters; I tapped it with a hammer while holding the actuator button - the more I tapped, the faster the motor ran. I repeated this process on the other outboard with the same result.

After tapping the electic motor housings of both of the PTTs, they began working PERFECTLY!

So, here is my question - what should I do about this??? Do the electric motors need to be replaced, or serviced?

Here is my other question: Has anyone else ever had this experience??

Go C-Brats!!

[Sea Wolf]

Rick-

Never had that problem, but I'd check those PTT electric motors' brushes for wear (length, condition, contact surface, and spring tension) and the armatures for wear and water intrusion or an oil (hydraulic) leak.

They have to be PM (Permanent Magnet) 12v DC motors with brushes, and the brush/armature contact is the single weakest link in the PM motor design.

Funny they should fail at the same time, but they have probably always been used in parallel fashion.

Is there anything you did in servicing the motors or electrical systems that could have allowed water intrusion into the PM motors or relays?

Ditto the last question for a loose connection ? (12 VDC isn't a lot of voltage, and the trim motors take quite bit of amperage and therefore must have very tight connections.)

Good Luck! (And welcome aboard!)

Joe.

[Captains Cat]

Rick, welcome aboard! As usual, Joe's advice is right on! As for your question,

"So, here is my question - what should I do about this???"

In the meantime, I'd carry a hammer on the boat!

Charlie

[rdennisak]

The "hammer" solution worked for one week. The port motor will not respond any more. We ran all day without trim but the motor was in good trim for most conditions.

Today, I pulled the port PTT motor cover off and inspected the motor. The brushes are worn, the springs are failing - one is missing a couple of coils; the other is very weak. I would expect to find stainless steel springs here but they are common metal and have rusted. The armature needs to be turned. I pulled the starboard electric motor even though it was still running. Both armatures were coated with a greasy film. Not what an electric motor should have. The O rings have cracks in them and are no good, but there were no signs of water inside.

I am going to replace all the brushes and springs and have the armatures turned. I am taking a lot of photos and will post a how-to if anyone is interested.
It is a fairly easy job I am happy to say. Probably because, it appears, this is something that should be checked every season.

[Slow-N-Easy]

Hi Rick
I have twin 50's on my boat and had a different problem. My trim pumps would not hold the motors up they would fall while being in the up posission
I changed out the seals and the worked for a little while than started falling again and leaking oil out of the ram seal. I also could hear a click when activating my trim switch but no lift. I gave up on fixing and am looking into having them replaced. I hope that you have success. I may be interested in fixing mine instead of having a shop fix them.