"mmc" wrote in message
g.com...

"Steve B" wrote in message
...
I just got a slight windfall, and want to get my 89 Merc 40 long shaft's
tilt mechanism fixed. The only thing there is the switch. I've searched
ebay, and the old units run from $100 up depending on condition. Some say
great condition, other say need rebuilding.

How much of a chore is it to install one of these? How much work is
involved in rebuilding one? I have tons of tools, and fix stuff
regularly. I believe the Merc shop says it would run about $600.

It's an older boat, but having the tilt working would be great on me and
my broken back. Also make it easier to launch and recover and make ready
to tow.

Advice appreciated. Flames expected.

Steve
Hey Steve,
First off, what are the symptoms? Does it go one way and not the other?
Does it do nothing at all? Can you hear the motor run when the switch is
pushed?
Does it look like this?
http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury_parts/1696/20.cfm
I can walk thru changing it out if it is this one, just did it this summer
with mine.
Also, I found the units on ebay for about $659 vs over $900 from the
dealer. I bought mine from a local shop used so was able to go and inspect
and see it work before buying.
If you can't hear anything from the motor, find the lead wires that should
run from the unit up thru the pan to the solenoids and check for voltage
(solenoid side) with a meter as someone hits the switch. If you have power
and the wires to the unit are intact, the motor is the problem.
Motors are stupidly expensive so you might see if it's the brushes before
buying a new motor.
If no power, track the wires back until you find power. May be something
as simple as a bad switch or loose wire.
My problem was it would tilt down but not up even after I swapped the
wires from the solenoids.

Damn. I just don't understand it. I can't hear a thing. I press the
switches, but there is not a sound in the world back there. I put my head
right next to the motor and hit the up and down switch, but there is not a
click not a whirr.

What could it be? (Other than it's entirely been removed from the motor,
that is.)

Steve