How does a tilt trim motor work

      When we sail, sometimes we have to "lift up" the outboard motor - for example, in shallow waters to avoid rubbing against rocks, or after docking, we have to lift the propeller out of the water. This' lifting 'job relies on the' lifting motor '. Don't think it's anything complicated, it's actually similar to the principle of an electric elevator used at home. Today, I'll explain in plain language how it works. 

       1、Core principle: "The motor rotates in circles, carrying the machine up and down

      The core of the tilt trim motor is to "turn electricity into power", and then transmit the power to the outboard motor through a simple set of "transmission parts" to make it move up and down. Let's divide it into three steps to ensure that you understand:

The first step is to transmit the electricity first. There are batteries on board (similar to car batteries, mostly 12V), and the wires of the lifting motor are connected to the batteries. The second step is to start the motor. As soon as the current enters the motor, the coils inside the motor will "rotate under force" (this step does not require further investigation, as long as it is powered on, it will rotate). But the motor is running too fast and not strong enough to directly drive the outboard motor - after all, the outboard motor weighs several tens of pounds. So there will be a "reducer" connected behind the motor, just like the "variable speed gear" of a bicycle, which can turn "fast rotation" into "slow rotation" and amplify the force several times, making it easy to pull the outboard motor.

     The third step is to 'start the machine'. The reducer is further connected to a "screw" (a threaded iron rod, similar to the screws used at home) or a "steel wire rope". When you press the "up" button, the motor rotates with the reducer, which then rotates with the screw (or wire rope). The "slider" on the screw will move upwards, and the slider is connected to the bracket of the outboard motor. When the slider moves upwards, the bracket will lift the outboard motor upwards; When the "down" button is pressed, the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the screw also rotates in the opposite direction, the slider moves downwards, and the outboard motor slowly falls back into the water.

     The whole process is like using an electric screwdriver to screw a screw, pressing the forward screw in and the reverse screw out, except that the lifting motor is turned to the "outboard motor position".

2、How to control it? Just rely on these 'little switches'

      The lifting motor does not rotate blindly, it needs to be controlled, otherwise either lifting it too high will damage the parts, or lowering it too low will rub against the bottom of the ship. There are generally three places on board that can control it, each with its own purpose:

      The first one is the "driver's console main switch", which is the most commonly used. On the control console where you sail, there are usually two buttons, one labeled "UP" (lift) and the other labeled "DOWN" (lower). When setting sail, you sit in the driver's seat, keeping an eye on the water situation ahead. You can adjust the height of the outboard motor by pressing a button - for example, if you see shallow water ahead, press "UP" to lift it up, and then press "DOWN" to lower it after crossing the shallow water. You don't have to bend down and run to the stern to operate it.

      The second one is the 'stern emergency switch', which is a backup. Sometimes the main switch is broken or the wires are disconnected, and the main switch is no longer in use, relying on this emergency switch. It is usually installed near the outboard motor at the stern of the ship, and may be a small knob or a drawstring. For example, when you are inspecting the stern of the ship and find that the main switch is not responding, you can simply turn the emergency switch to lift or lower it without rushing back to the driver's cab.

      The third one is the "limit switch", the invisible "protector". This thing is hidden inside the casing of the lifting motor, you can't see it, but its function is particularly significant - it can prevent the outboard motor from "lifting too high" or "lowering too low".

3、How to maintain it regularly? Don't wait until it's broken to get anxious

      The lifting motor looks sturdy, but it is also prone to malfunctions when exposed to humid environments every day. Pay more attention to these points in daily life, which can reduce the number of repairs:

      Firstly, don't let it dry grind. When lifting or lowering, if you hear a strange "creaking" sound from the motor, or if you press a button and the motor starts but the outboard motor doesn't move, don't press it hard - it's likely that the screw or wire rope is out of oil and is grinding dry. Find a small brush and apply some "butter" (a special lubricating grease for ships, don't use household cooking oil, it's easy to attract dust) to the screw, and also apply a little bit to the steel wire rope. Try again and it will run smoothly.

      Secondly, do not let water "soak" in the motor. Although the motor has a waterproof shell, it is prone to splashing water at the stern, especially on rainy days or in strong winds and waves. It is best to wipe the motor casing with a dry cloth every time the ship is used up, and check if there is any water ingress at the wire joints. If the joints are rusted, use sandpaper to remove the rust, and then wrap them with waterproof tape. Otherwise, poor contact may occur and there will be no response when pressing the button.

      Thirdly, don't let it overload. The lifting motor has a "maximum force", for example, some motors can only pull a 50 pound outboard motor, and if you insist on installing an 80 pound one, the motor will work beyond its limit for a long time and it is easy to burn out. When buying, be sure to ask about the "load-bearing capacity" of the motor and match it with the weight of the outboard motor. Don't try to buy it too cheap.

      Fourth, occasionally 'move'. If the ship has been parked on the shore for a long time without use, don't let the lifting motor sit idle - press "lift" and "lower" once a week to make the motor rotate, and the screw and wire rope move to avoid rusting and getting stuck for a long time. Just like when you don't ride a bike for a long time and occasionally push it out for a walk, the bike chain won't rust.

4、How to fix common minor problems? You can handle it by doing it yourself

      Sometimes when there is a problem with the lifting motor, you don't have to find a repairman, you can fix it yourself, saving a lot of money:

      For example, "there is no response when pressing the button": first check if the battery is charged (just like a car, if the battery is not charged, nothing can be moved). If the battery is charged, then check if the wire connector on the motor is loose - for example, if the wire connector on the motor is loose, unplug and plug it in tightly, wrap it with tape, and it may be fine; If the connector is not loose, try replacing the switch (for example, if the main switch does not respond, use the emergency switch; if the emergency switch works, it means the main switch is broken, just replace it with a new switch).

      Don't think dismantling the motor is scary, just don't touch the coils inside randomly, remember which screw is installed where it is when tightening the screws, and it can be reinstalled after dismantling.

      There is also 'turning when reaching the top': it means the limit switch is broken and needs to be replaced with a new one. Limit switches are not expensive and can be purchased online. When disassembling, turn off the power first, remove the old one, install the new one in its original position, and connect the wires. Remember, after installation, be sure to try it out and see if it will automatically stop when it reaches the top. Don't install it backwards.

      In fact, the tilt trim motor of the outboard motor is just an "electric helper". The principle is not complicated, and it can be easily fixed by paying more attention to maintenance. If you encounter major problems such as "motor smoking" or "burning smell", don't fix it yourself. Quickly find a technician, otherwise it is easy to get electric shock or damage other parts. Have you ever encountered any minor issues with the lifting motor when using it in your daily life? You can tell me, let's see together how to solve it.