Yamaha T8 trim problem?

My buddy is having problems with the factory power trim on a ’03 Yamaha T8. It worked fine when he stored it last fall. This spring when he tries to raise the motor, it will only go about 1/4″ at a time. Eventually he can get the motor to go all the way up. The pump is running but the ram on the cylinder is not moving. Sounds like a cavitation issue to me. There’s no evidence of leaking oil.

Has anyone else here experienced this? What’s the fix?

Thanks….

I am having the same exact problem. Thanks for posting it first.

Contacted my dealer. He suggested I trim the motor all the way up and check the oil level. There is a plug on top of the reservoir. Oil is suppose to be up to the threads. Still need to verify the oil, but he mentioned Dexron III would be fine. I will keep an eye on this post, maybe we’ll find a better answer.

-Richard

Let us know if you find anything out!

Bill

I am having the same exact problem as well. It worked fine until I winterized it and stored it in my un-heated garage. The other day I went out there to move it around and I had the same problem. I took a space heater and put it right beside it full-bore for about an hour. After this it raised no problem. However, after being back in the cold after a few hours it goes back to being unable to raise, unless you constantly tap the up direction on the trim button. I’m wondering if the oil can get gelled inside during cold snaps? I’m glad to see its just not mine and hopefully we can figure out a permanent fix.

I just heard a possible solution. Supposedly this is a fairly common problem that can be fixed by pushing down on the motor when running the trim up. See if it works and report back. I’m guessing this is a cavitation (air in the system) issue.

BC

Yep, I had the same symptoms after taking it out of storage, it was low on fluid, filled er up, works fine.

BIRDDOG

A question to pose to the dealer is can the hydrolic oil be changed to an all weather type oil. I know we used to used Dextron III in our snow plow and switch to a blue cold/ all weather fluid so the hydrolics work even in very cold conditions.