Four Winns lower unit

hello, I have a 1996 170 horizon Four Winns boat. I went to launch it today and the lower unit wouldn't go down. When pushing the button on the throttle lever to raise it you can hear the motor trying raise it, but if you try and lower the unit you get nothing. not even a sound. Does this sound like something that i can repair or would i be further off taking it into the dealer ship and have their people fix it. I do have some mechanical knowledge. I did check for loose wires down by the motor or (pump) and found nothing. And also checked all the fuses. Thankyou; Jack

 

Hello: jlshanty. Welcome to the web site and the boating forum.

Before determining there is a mechanical problem lowering the unit, I would first suggest checking for voltage getting to the motor.

Current is getting to the motor for the raising of the unit. The unit may raise but the motor may not be getting current to reverse the motor.

Once it can be verified current is getting to the motor in both directions, it can than be determinded the cause of the problem is not current directional flow.

If current does not flow in both directions, to all connection terminals, that problem has to be located and corrected. If current does flow to all terminals in both directions, the problem can than be assumed to be within the motor.

Run the electrical test first. Doing so will tell you where to start looking for the problem cause. Post back an update using the reply button if additional help is needed.

Our resident boat repair professionals will have additional helpful information, suggestions and advice. Check back on your question several times for additional replies.

Regards, Good Luck & Safe Boating.
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I have a mercruiser sterndrive. Voltage is good at the trim motor. Trim will go up and down on land or sitting still in water, it will go up but not down while under way. I have heard that it may be low on oil but don't know where or how to check it. Also, what kind of oil do I use?

 

The system is equipped with 2 relays, 1 for up and 1 for down. The problem likely lies in either the relay or the switch but some testing will be necessary to determine which. If you can identify the 2 relays, you can try swapping them and see if the problem moves too. If you need to get the unit down in the meantime, there should be an emergency bleed screw on the side of the pump/resevoir. Open the screw and the unit will glide down.