"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.