Power Trim and Tilt
Your outboard’s Power Trim and Tilt
unit changes the outboard’s thrust angle during operation for maximum
performance of both your outboard and your boat. It’s electro-hydraulic,
meaning an electric pump moves hydraulic fluid upon command from the operator,
tilting the thrust angle out or in. It’s positioned inside the engine bracket,
meaning almost constant contact with water, and, depending on where you boat,
that can mean saltwater. Still, under normal conditions, this system needs only
minimal care in order to function properly.
Cleaning
Make sure to
include the PT&T unit in your routine post-trip flushing and wash down
procedure. For best effect, first run over it gently with a sponge or a soft
cloth soaped up with mild detergent like Yamaclean®. Then, spray the whole unit
down with fresh, clean water.
Lubrication.
Periodically
grease the top of the trim rams on your PT&T unit to help keep them safe
from corrosion and to eliminate those annoying, but harmless, squeaking and
popping noises. Be sure to use a high-quality marine-formula grease, like
Yamalube® Marine Grease, so it won’t wash off so fast.
Protection.
Keep the
trim rams fully retracted when not in use to prevent corrosion build-up. Engage
the tilt lock mechanism built into the outboard’s bracket, or install a Yamaha
engine support to hold the engine in the tilt-up position. Then, withdraw the
tilt rams into the unit by pressing the PT&T down button until they are
fully retracted. This keeps all but the very tip of the ram immersed in a bath
of PT&T fluid and safe from corrosion. Liberally apply Marine Grease to the
ram tips to help keep them corrosion free, too.
Tip: The built-in tilt lock mechanism is for
maintaining tilt for storage or periods of non-use only, such as when mooring.
Do not trailer using only this mechanism to support the tilted outboard.
Fluids.
The fluid in
your PT&T system is under extreme pressure that can cause molecular shear,
which tears apart the fluid’s molecules, resulting in a drastic loss of
lubricity. Don’t use substitute oils like motor oil or power steering fluid. Yamaha
Performance Power Trim & Tilt Fluid is specially formulated to tolerate a
specific amount of water ingestion and still maintain proper operation, all
while withstanding extreme pressures. It also contains special anti-foaming
agents the others don’t, to maintain critical lubricity.
Valves and Seals.
If you see
fluid on the outside of the PT&T unit, or if your outboard won’t stay
tilted up (or stay tilted out when running), it may mean that the seals or
internal valves are in need of inspection. Have the unit inspected by an
authorized Yamaha Marine dealer and, if necessary, disassembled and repaired.
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