What oil for PTT ?

[Codfather]

Hi all,
While we were out on Sunday I noticed the power tilt and trim was'nt working on the outboard. It had been working alright in the marina but something must have gone on the way out. On further inspection we noticed that it was leaking oil from under the ram that lifts and lowers the engine.

I will have to take the boat out the water to have a proper look as its leaking under the water line. It only leaks when I try to lift or lower the engine.

Hopefully just an o ring , but I doubt it lol.

Does anybody know what type of oil the ptt uses ?

, so I can get some to renew it, if I manage to fix it that is.

Cheers
Martin.

[KeithB]

pretty sure it's just automatic transmission fluid...but not 100% sure.

[mark]

what engine??

standard power steering fluid is used in almost all the rams I've ever ever come across - mercury, mariner and yamaha

is it red??

when you do check the level, the engine has to be fully tilted up before you open the filler cap. The pump is usually under pressure when the engine is down so if you take the cap off then you're gonna get a face full of oil!

does sound like an O ring gone though. they can be a bitch to change, the one on my mariner had a captive circlip holding the ram end in place

if your stripping it to do the ram seals, think about doing the pump seals while your at it

[mark]

pretty sure it's just automatic transmission fluid...but not 100% sure.

I'm pretty sure it is keith, power steering/automatic transmission all the same swag. If the oil is red, its defo power steering/automatic transmission fluid

[Codfather]

Cheers people,


Its a force 75 hp 2 stroke.

It did look browny red like power steering/ atm fluid, it was a little creamy but that was probably it mixing with water.

I heard someone once mention they put 5w 20 or 30 engine oil in a ptt system, thought it was strange, thats why I asked.

[KeithB]

Yep that's what we used for the leg on Shady, slightly cheaper at a motorist's discount centre than a chandlers.

[Codfather]

I know plenty about power sterring fluid, having always had old landrovers lol.

[mark]

I know plenty about power sterring fluid, having always had old landrovers lol.

know that one well, I buy it and gear oil by the gallon now!

[Codfather]

Engine tillted up it is then Mark, cheers.

Any idea on how to flush the old stuff out ? It might have taken in some water thats all.

[mark]

bog standard disco, been thinking about a lift kit though!

leaky oil seal front of transfer box, leaky power steering box, standard land rover fare but you love em anyway

[Codfather]

I put a 2 inch lift kit on my old B reg 90, just so I could prove that I could really.
Sold that and now got a discovery 3.9 v8 on lpg lol.

Things look more complicated to fix on the disco, but got our first baby on the way in october and the 90 was'nt really kitted out for little uns.

[mark]

totally off topic, but I've found the disco a doodle to work on, basically a land rover classic chassis with defender 90 mechanicals mostly

in the last 2 years stuck a recon engine and box in, new bearings all round, just redid the swivel joints, front prop shaft, clutch release fork (common failure on all discos), disks, pads, starter, alternator exhaust... err hang on thats nearly a whole disco in itself!

[Codfather]

lol

Good job you only live up the vally from me then.

You'll not have time for the disco now with Pansy keeping you busy.

[davem2005]

Codfather,
Transmission oil will do but you would be better using hydralic oil as it is thinner at low temps as transmission oil is designed for hi heat use.

Its cheep if you use the stuff for hydroelastic suspensions as used on Citroens etc. Or just go to a hydraulic supplier, or a compressor company who do hydrovanes. Tractor companies and agricultural suppliers are good sources too. The last place to go is a boat shop.

If you are not in a rush I can bring some up that way on sunday. (assuming you are on the tyne) If not I am in aycliffe and you could collect.

The reason the oil is cloudy is that water has got in...probably through the ram seals but maybe through the oil reservoir breather hole over time.

PM me if you need some oil and I will get it to you.

Cheers
Dave.

[Codfather]

Cheers for the offer Dave much appretiated, but its sorted now (fingers crossed).

Had the boat out the water to get a proper look at it. Mine has the pump seperate from the ram and are joined by pipes like used on cars for brakes. Turned out to be leaking from where the pipe joined the bottom of the ram. Took it off, cleaned the threads up and put a new o ring on it. After filling up and bleading through some new ATF fluid it was all ok and back to normal.

Eventually found the manual and it recomended ATF, or quicksilvers own veriety lol.
A couple of quid from the auto spares shop for some ATF got me sorted.

While the boat was on the trailer, the antifoul got a touch up aswell, happy days.

All ready for some north easterlies at the weekend now lol.