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First heard this horrible noise yesterday at the boat launch. As I was tilting motor up to engage the trail lock, it started making a loud crunching noise. I immediately let off switch, went to rear and did not see any visible obstruction. Hit the switch up again and it lifted smooth with no noise.
Now today, while doing routine maintenance it is making the same loud crunching noise in both directions. The motor holds in all positions, so I know its not a seal issue.
When the motor is all the way down and the PTT is engaged in the "trim range" or first 15 degrees, it is smooth as can be. No loud noise. But as soon as I pass that 15 degrees and it raises into the "tilt range" it sounds like a freaking trash compactor.
Also, when the motor is fully raised and the trail lock is engaged, it does not make the noise when I continue to press the down button to retract the trim rods. The weight of the motor definitely seems to be a factor.
The model number is J70ELCOS. The power trim fluid is topped off and the maual release screw is torqued to specs. Any ideas?
The good news is that during my continued troubleshooting, I've learned that it is not the PTT motor at all. I've unscrewed the manual release valve and its making the same binding noise when I lift or lower the motor manually. So it sounds as if something is binding in the shock absorber piston or something else. Anyone else ever come across this noise/problem?
