Yamaha T8 Question

[Mike MK]

Hey guys- Quick T8 question that I couldn't find an answer to with a search. I have a 2002 T8 that has trim issue I can't figure out. The motor will trim down perfectly with no issues, but will only trim up about an inch at a time. The trim motor will continue to run, but I must repeatedly push the "up" button to get it to move that inch or so at a time untill it finally reaches the top. It started acting up this past spring, and the strange thing is, is that during the warmest days of the summer it would trim up just fine, but the colder the weather, the worse the trim would work. I hate to spend the kind of money they're asking for a new trim unit on a 7 year old kicker, so I thought I'd see if anyone here has had this problem before and how they resolved it. Thanks guys.

[Bill Krejca]

My GUESS is the hydraulic fluid level is low?

Bill Krejca

[bigstick]

Mike let me know I have the exact same problem with my T-8.The problem started in the cold but didn't improve When it was warm ...I posted this same question and didn't get any responses GOOD LUCK

[Mike MK]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I did check the fluid level and made sure it was full. I guess I should just take it in, but the boat's packed away pretty good right now. I'm just hoping some of the dealers (or others) who frequent here might have dealt with this issue before. Thanks for any additional responses or ideas.

[kliph]

I have the same year T8. Did you make sure all the joints were greased and oiled.
It can make a difference.
Just a thought. Let us know what you find. Good luck.

[Mike MK]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to look at that. Again, any other thoughts or ideas are appreciated.

[walleyedmike]

Lead/acid batteries don't work as well in the cold as they do when it's warm. Sure your batteries are all up to snuff? Try the trim on your main motor and see if it does the same thing. If not, your batteries are probably not the problem. But if it does..........

[big_crappie]

Try having the fluid drained and flushed. Sounds like there might be some blockage. Possibly shavings from the pump going out. Flushing it may extend the life for a while anyway. We had one last year that was plugged with shaving in the valves. Alot of work to clean out but cheaper than the replacement unit. Good Luck!

[Mike MK]

Thanks guys. Hey big_crappie - I, too, think there might be something blocking the fluid. What would be the best way (or method) to flush the unit out after draining the fluid? Any additional details would be much appreciated.

[RVRDUX]

I had the same problem with my T8. I had to have the trim motor replaced. Tried everything before doing that.

Thanks,

Bear

[Mike MK]

Hey RVRDUX - I actually had to replace the trim unit on this motor once before for a problem somewhat similar to this one. It was under warranty at the time, so I didn't pay much attention to possible fixes. I still would like to try flushing the unit out before replacing it. Anyone ever try this before, or have any ideas on how to go about doing it? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

[wishnfishn]

It's going to be either the pump or motor. It is simply not building enough pressure to raise the motor. There is a SLIM possibility it could be the fluid but that is very unlikely.

[jrholz]

First check the tension screw? (that's not the correct term for that part but its the screw that lets you manually raise and lower the unit) Make sure that it is turned all the way in. Second check the fluid level. Take the two bolts long bolts out that are on the top and bottom of the t&t unit. This will allow you to get to the reservoir and open it without losing any fluids. Third if you think its the motor take it to a electric motor repair shop. They should be able to replace the brushes for around $60.
I had my anchor hit my T&T switch and burn out my motor. Dealer quoted me $360 for a new unit and $70 for a brush kit. Ripped it all apart, seen that the brushes were bad put all the parts in a box and took it to a local electric motor shop. They had it fixed with in a week for $60. PM me if you can't find a shop that can repair the motor you could ship it to the same shop that did mine.

Jeff