Need Honda 50 hp advice

[RICH RUYACK]

Hi all- just avoided what could of been a major mishap. I was going to pull my trailor up a few feet, (My X is stored in my driveway on the trailer) and when I went to the stern, much to my surprise, I noticed that the engine which was stored in the raised position on the trailer, had come completely down and the blades of the prop were actually impeded into the asphalt driveway about a 1/4 ". I was able to jack the boat up and then raise the motor with no problem or damage to the prop or motor. I noticed that when I last raised the motor that I must not have flipped down the bracket which keeps motor in fully up position. The motor raises up and dwn fine. My question? Is it normal for the motor to slowly come down from the raised position over time, or do I have a leak or problem with the hydraulic piston used for raising and lowering? Is there a easy fix to this problem that I can do myself? Please advise, Thanks.

[jeffz]

Rich,

I would imagine like all hydraulic systems that over time the power tilt will experience wear that may allow it to leak down. How long had your X been sitting?

If there is some contamination in the hydraulic fluid it can cause scoring of the components and overtime the seals can become worn. It probably is not a major issue if it is a slow leak down and you lock the motor up when storing.



Jeffz

[robbarnes1965]

I have a lock that you flick into place to prevent it from lowering. I put it into place and force the engine down hard on it so it won't move while motoring. You might just want to have one installed if you don't have one already.

[jaguar496]

HI Rich: don't know what year motor you have; mine is an '08 baby 50, a 40. this motor has a lever that flips down to keep the engine in the up position. once it is flipped down, move the motor down electrically to seat it. when trailering, the book suggests the same position, and putting a support between the motor and the stern/trailer. stew

[opie]

With BF50A Honda engine in down position, open filler hole in hydraulic lifter reservoir and fill with ATF. Your unit, perhaps, is not full. I found out that the motor may lift and lower without a full reservoir, but it makes some sounds doing it.

Did you check your manual screw position? This screw, when turned CCW will lower the unit in an emergency. Could this screw be a bit loose and not tight to the CW position? Use a broad-blade-end screwdriver and check it.

If the screw is tight CW, it is probable that you have a small leak. If so, a small amount of red or brown fluid should be visible at the top of the lifter where the rod exits the lifter. This hydraulic unit can be opened and O-Rings replaced. I did mine last year.

[RICH RUYACK]

Thanks for the advise, will check today.