Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Gmondun on 09/13/11 - 9:12 AM

Hi,

I just purchased an 1986 Montauk 17 with a 90HP Mercury. I was told the solenoid for the power trim needs to be replaced because the trim will go down, but not up. There are two parts (one on top of the other) of the engine that look like the solenoid. Which is the correct one to replace? I've posted photographs on my personal page for you to see what I'm refering to.

One other thing. The previous owner mentioned he was able to short the solenoid with a screw driver to make it go back up. In case I'm in a pinch, how do I do that?

Thanks for your help.

Gordon

EDIT:
Had to correct the model of Montauk so everyone knows what model you are talking about.

Edited by Joe Kriz on 09/13/11 - 10:05 AM

Posted by Gamalot on 09/13/11 - 2:37 PM

Both look like solenoids to me and one might go to the starter and the other to the pump. Follow the wires!

Posted by Vamanos on 09/13/11 - 3:36 PM

One of the solinoids is for up and one for down. I would guess that since the cover covering the top solinoid posts is missing that was the one he was shorting out. You can check which one is which by listening or feeling which one engages going up or down. FYI most of the time it is a bad connection rather than a bad soilinoid.

Posted by surfncnow on 09/13/11 - 4:54 PM

Yes, you should have 2 solenoids. One for up and one for down. At least that is how a 115hp is setup. I used to own a 1987 115hp and had the same issue. I replaced one and a few weeks later I was replacing the other one. So, I would suggest replacing both solenoids.

BTW, after looking at your pics. Yes, you have 2 solenoids. Just replace both.

Edited by surfncnow on 09/13/11 - 5:04 PM

Posted by Derwd24 on 09/13/11 - 5:45 PM

To be sure it's a bad solenoid, swap them with eachother. If the motor goes the other way only, you've found the bad component. If it still goes only the same way, it's a wiring or switch issue. It looks like at least one of the ring connectors on the lower solenoid has been replaced, so it may be worth checking into.

Posted by Gmondun on 09/20/11 - 6:56 AM

Thank you for all your responses. Vamanos, you were right. After figuring out that the top solanoid was the issue, I went to replace it and discovered that the ground wire had snapped. Problem fixed! Thanks again.

Gordon