How do I diagnose and replace a failed trim pump on a Sea Ray?
My 2016 27ft Sea Ray has a bad hydraulic trim pump. The drive won't lift, and all I get is a clicking sound when I press the switch at the helm. How do I test it to be sure it's the pump, and what's the process for fitting a new one?
Answer
To fix a failed trim pump on a Mercruiser-equipped Sea Ray, first bypass the trim solenoids to confirm the electric motor has actually died, as relay failures are far more common than dead pumps. If the pump is ruined, replacing the unit involves disconnecting the hydraulic lines, swapping the assembly, and cycling the drive to bleed the new system.
Diagnosing the Trim Pump
A clicking sound when you press the trim switch points to the solenoids rather than the pump itself. Your 2016 Sea Ray will feature a Mercruiser sterndrive. This uses a bracket-mounted Oildyne pump assembly with two solenoids. One handles the up function, and the other handles the down.
Isolate your battery at the main switch before inspecting the heavy 12V cables to prevent severe electrical arcing. To test the pump motor directly, bypass these solenoids. Follow these steps:
- Locate the two solenoids on the side of the trim pump bracket.
- Identify the wiring colours. Blue is for UP (think blue sky) and green is for DOWN (think green grass).
- Using a heavy-gauge jumper wire, bridge the connection between the main 12V incoming positive terminal (the thick red wire) and the terminal holding the blue wire.
- If the pump spins up and the drive raises, your pump works perfectly. You simply need a new UP solenoid for around £25.
If jumping the connections produces heavy sparking but no movement, the motor is dead. A heavily corroded or leaking casing also demands a full unit replacement.
Sourcing the Replacement
For a 2016 Sea Ray 27-footer, you are likely running a Bravo III sterndrive. The OEM Mercruiser complete trim pump assembly (part number 86307A1 or current equivalent) costs between £500 and £600. High-quality aftermarket alternatives from brands like Sierra or Arco cost roughly £300 to £350.
Always buy the complete assembly. This includes the electric motor, the aluminium valve body and the plastic fluid reservoir. Replacing just the electric motor rarely makes financial sense. The internal relief valves in the old valve body wear out and fail shortly after.
Removing the Old Unit
Support the sterndrive with a sturdy block of wood before undoing any hydraulic lines. Releasing the pressure causes the heavy drive to drop instantly. With the drive supported and the battery disconnected, begin the removal: