Alpha-One not locking down?

Discussion in 'Sterndrives' started by Externet, Sep 19, 2009.

  1. Externet
    Joined: May 2009
    Posts: 35
    Likes: 1, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 24
    Location: Mideast U.S.

    Externet Junior Member

    Hi all.

    A starboard Alpha-One outdrive that raises fine, trims fine, runs fine, reverses fine, when hitting rough seas (at agreed too fast speed) comes out of the water and hangs up propeller-on-air and needs to command it to go down or wait until slowly comes down.

    What is preventing to lock it down, or is it some safety feature ? :rolleyes:
    The port one does not do it. Which is not behaving as supposed ?

    What should I check/fix/know before something blows to pieces ? Besides the speed...

    Miguel
     
  2. marshmat
    Joined: Apr 2005
    Posts: 4,127
    Likes: 149, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 2043
    Location: Ontario

    marshmat Senior Member

    A sterndrive should remain at the trim angle you set it at, regardless of wave conditions. The only case in which kicking up would be considered acceptable is if a rock is hit at high speed.

    Trim in an Alpha, Bravo, Volvo, OMC, or most other sterndrives is hydraulic, controlled by an electric pump. Generally speaking, there is no mechanical lock holding the trim/tilt in place, like outboards have.

    If your drive is actually kicking up- changing trim/tilt- on its own, you probably have one or more of: Faulty seals in the rams, leaky hydraulic lines, or a defective trim pump. All of which call for a mechanic's help.
     
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