Power Tilt and Trim fluid is used in the hydraulic system of a system to raise and lower the transom and trim it while underway. Normally it doesn’t need to be added to unless you seal problems. I haven’t checked the level in a long time. What recommendations do you have, OE fluid or just any transmission fluid etc.
Power Tilt and Trim Fluid
- Thread starter Snagglefoot
- Start date
I just use Supertech power tilt/trim fluid you can find at walmart...nothing fancy. I would not use ATF...it has additives you don't need.
If I had to guess at a substitute, I would use power steering fluid before I used ATF.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Te...-8-oz-tube/16927999?athbdg=L1200&from=/search
If I had to guess at a substitute, I would use power steering fluid before I used ATF.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Te...-8-oz-tube/16927999?athbdg=L1200&from=/search
Cost really should not really be an issue as so little is used. I would probably get the product made for my boat engine. But at the end of the days it's hydraulic type fluid. If you are low on fluid then I would look for leaks. It's a sealed system.
I think Mercruiser specified non detergent 30 weight motor oil.
I think Mercruiser specified non detergent 30 weight motor oil.
There are boating forums where people will give you answers and have years of experience. I have owned boats for 20+ years but don't consider myself an expert. I will share my experience. I use Dexron atf. I personally choose it over trim fluid. The boating forums generally say the seals will last 5 years longer on the rams with automatic transmission fluid.
My last engine was a 1999 model and I used trim fluid. It seemed to be getting weaker and I took the top off the pump to look at it. It had rust inside. I could not figure out what was happening. I filled it with dexron 3 and later checked the level and could tell it had some moisture getting in. It was pink not red. Never a sign of leakage and the trim fluid was clear so I did not notice water.
In 2012 I bought a new Mercury and on year 2 I emptied the ram and refilled everything with dexron 6. Works great and if you ever get a leak it is easy to see moisture in the atf. Good luck with whatever you decide to use.
My last engine was a 1999 model and I used trim fluid. It seemed to be getting weaker and I took the top off the pump to look at it. It had rust inside. I could not figure out what was happening. I filled it with dexron 3 and later checked the level and could tell it had some moisture getting in. It was pink not red. Never a sign of leakage and the trim fluid was clear so I did not notice water.
In 2012 I bought a new Mercury and on year 2 I emptied the ram and refilled everything with dexron 6. Works great and if you ever get a leak it is easy to see moisture in the atf. Good luck with whatever you decide to use.
I picked up the Yamalube product. I had to order is from Amazon and it was shipped from a boat engine dealer in Edmonton.
Obviously being a BITOG member you should send out a sample for a VOA.
I pulled the plug on the “tilt and trim reservoir”. It has an O-ring on the bolt. A bit of red fluid came out which I assume is ATF. I managed to get a 1/4 inch plastic tube into the reservoir. Basically you can fold the tip a 1/2 inch from the end, and push it through the hole so that it springs downward and you can make the turn. I pushed it a few inches and did the old gasoline suction technique from my youth to pull out fluid. I eventually I pushed the tube to the bottom and pulled out a somewhat dirtier darker red fluid. I then used a fluid transfer tool and fed in about a pint of Yamalube trim fluid. The power trim fluid was twice the price of Dex VI., but oh well. Enjoy the photos.
My speculative guess is the yamalube will have better tolerance to moisture - I remember this as the case with their gear drive lubricants.
Now from what I remember, yellow and red mixed together makes orange.
The tilt & trim mechanicals don't really wear out oil or gear lube. Most people probably just check it once a year as part of routine maintenance. And then get more involved with it if they have a leak in a trim cylinder or tilt/trim stops working.
Tilt & trim is not something always moving like the lower unit gears.
Tilt & trim is not something always moving like the lower unit gears.
I’ll bet most don't check it at all until it starts acting up.
