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  1. #1
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    Trim pin failure

    3B139652 2022 4stroke, seems the problem still persists on "newer" motors.

    On the water yesterday, notice as I'm idling out my smartcraft isn't reading correct trim (showing 0 until it's off the trim rams and tilt takes over then reads accurate) run a cal on my smartcraft twice, didn't fix it. Run to my first spot and trim all the way down, boat no longer reacts to trimming up, smartcraft gauge shows it at "25". Had to crack relief valve and life motor to get transom saver on lost about a pint of fluid when relief screw backed out.

    My question Don, since the shop is backed up 10 days atleast and I have a tournament this weekend and next, can I just refill the trim fluid, tighten down this bolt and be good to go? or does a computer reset have to be performed?

    Attachment 513944

  2. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #2
    This needs to be inspected by an authorized dealer. Your attachment didn't show, so can't see exactly what you're pinpointing.

    If it's the set screw, the crosspin has to be reset to the correct location, NEW setscrew installed with red liquid loctite (and torqued to PRECISELY the correct spec).

    You should not have lost any fluid when using the manual relief valve PROPERLY. If you lost fluid, there's a chance that the screw and/or o-rings are now compromised.

    Part# 8M0177279

    Verify dimple in crosspin is properly centered in set screw opening.

    Install new set screw with RED LIQUID LOCTITE (do NOT re-use old screw).

    Torque to 32 Nm (23.6 lbs/ft). 24 lbs/ft will be fine, but do not attempt to tighten further at ANY time in the future.


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
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    #3
    Quote Originally Posted by EuropeanAM View Post
    This needs to be inspected by an authorized dealer. Your attachment didn't show, so can't see exactly what you're pinpointing.

    If it's the set screw, the crosspin has to be reset to the correct location, NEW setscrew installed with red liquid loctite (and torqued to PRECISELY the correct spec).

    You should not have lost any fluid when using the manual relief valve PROPERLY. If you lost fluid, there's a chance that the screw and/or o-rings are now compromised.

    Part# 8M0177279

    Verify dimple in crosspin is properly centered in set screw opening.

    Install new set screw with RED LIQUID LOCTITE (do NOT re-use old screw).

    Torque to 32 Nm (23.6 lbs/ft). 24 lbs/ft will be fine, but do not attempt to tighten further at ANY time in the future.
    guess I’ll order a couple new screws. Tournament this weekend so will be reusing old set screw. Unscrewed the relief valve too far is my bet which is why I lost fluid. Lesson learned. Don’t have time to wait for a shop to fix it. Gotta love warranty when boats can’t get fixed for weeks on end


    thanks Don

  4. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #4
    I'm going to (respectfully) AGAIN caution you here. The path you proposed above in Post# 3 could potentially have some poor results, even potentially hazardous ones. 10 days isn't even TWO weeks... and it's not just you, your boat, or your warranty I'm concerned about here. Quite literally- if it's not done right you may be taking the health and safety of others into your own hands. PLEASE don't do that needlessly.

    And installed properly, you should never need more than ONE set screw. Just don't put a wrench on it again, unless it's being removed for a repair (and replaced).


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
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    #5
    Quote Originally Posted by EuropeanAM View Post
    I'm going to (respectfully) AGAIN caution you here. The path you proposed above in Post# 3 could potentially have some poor results, even potentially hazardous ones. 10 days isn't even TWO weeks... and it's not just you, your boat, or your warranty I'm concerned about here. Quite literally- if it's not done right you may be taking the health and safety of others into your own hands. PLEASE don't do that needlessly.

    And installed properly, you should never need more than ONE set screw. Just don't put a wrench on it again, unless it's being removed for a repair (and replaced).
    how has mercury not put out a SB on this yet? My motor has less than 65 hours and now I’m out for weeks because shops aren’t aware and there’s no fix?

  6. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #6
    As of this time, this has not been (despite some internet hype) a widespread problem. Most of the time, the ones that are found to be loose (or have come out) had been removed for some other repair, or had been "snugged down" by someone that did not understand the head of the screw does NOT seat against the eyelet, and should not.

    I've now seen ONE (1) in my shop that had to be replaced. And I can tell you I have a couple customers who could rattle the casters off a maytag washing machine.


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
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  7. Member
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    #7
    Respectfully I disagree Sir. I know for a fact I never touched a wrench to this set screw. Yet it still backed out as many others have. I’m an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force and when we notice issues like this we draft emergency maintenance actions so everyone is aware and has the maintenance procedures to address the issue. I’m personally aware of 10 folks that have had this issue, and there’s many others on this forum and others that have reported it. To blame the individual is a chicken shit move and I truly appreciate what you do for this forum but I believe you’re out of line saying that we (end users) have caused this. This is a real issue effecting people’s investments and time on the water it needs to be addressed. I called mercury today and talked to a customer service rep and I’ll be calling back every day until I can speak to an equipment specialist or product engineer to properly address this issue for the masses. It shouldn’t be a gamble when I go out on the water with a $30,000 motor not knowing if I’ll make it back or not. Again, I appreciate everything you do for this forum and the community but feel you have rose colored glasses on with this issue and shouldn’t ever blame the end user like you just did.

  8. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #8
    Matthew- Take a step back and dial down for a moment, please. NO-WHERE did I indicate that YOU altered or messed with YOUR set screw. A fair number of the ones we've heard of here in the forums had some trim COMPONENT replaced. Of course, there's about 30 places all over the net where two people have urged anyone that has a similar engine to tighten that screw down until the head touches (which it should NOT do in the first place).

    You yourself made the comment you were going to buy a couple of them and tighten it back up because you HAD to run the engine in a tournament.

    As for you getting a Product Engineer on the phone: You would probably get better results writing a letter. Might not want to use the same verbiage and tone as above, as that's going to prove unproductive (I'm doing my best to wear blinders as I type this response).

    Take a couple minutes to review the Announcements at the top of this forum- as you're going to make a decision with your very next post.


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
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    #9
    I truly do appreciate the service you have provided to me in the past, and even the information on this issue, so I do apologize.

    I have been in contact through social media with Mercury and sent them every instance I can find of this happening and hopefully have a conversation with their Product Support Team tomorrow. Hopefully we will see a service bulletin soon or a fix. Safety wire/cable would be a great addition or going back to the trilobe press pin, who knows. Thanks for your info Don, and I hope to see this issue resolved for the entire community soon.

    Last question then we can let this thread die, is there a difference in the red trim oil that is currently in my trim motor and the quicksilver steering and power trim fluid that is brown?

    Thanks, and again; apologies.

  10. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #10
    The most EFFECTIVE means of getting a "fix" for any common problem is to have dealers address it, as Warranty Claims trending is one of the common methods used to recognize a problem in a particular area.

    There was a running change made to the set-screw a while back to help ensure better retention. The part number changed at that time. This change should have improved the retention and if installed properly (with loctite) "should" resolve any problems. Of course- the amount of loctite, accuracy of torque wrench, and even on a production line: The "H" factor can all play a role.

    Trim fluid question: Difference is that the fluid in the trim pump contains leak/trace detection dye.


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
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  11. Member Corkpuller's Avatar
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    #11
    ser# 3B262700
    2022 Pro XS 225

    Wow. Sorry to but in, but after reading several other posts about this, I didn't want to start another.

    Question - can the correct/updated set screw/bolt be identified via serial number?
    I assume the only way to confirm what bolt is in there is to remove it. ?

    I just went out with my sharpie and marked mine. Did notice the bolt head is not not fully seated as mentioned being correct. Will surely keep an eye on it.


    "ain't too smart.....but I'm always thinkin"

  12. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #12
    Yours should have the latest set screw. DON'T attempt to tighten the bolt... marking it is perfectly acceptable, however.

    As you've learned, the head does NOT seat completely against the the shock-rod's eyelet.

    Please remember that we have a strict ONE ENGINE per thread policy (will let it slide this one time). See Announcements at the top of the Forum for more information.


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
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    #13
    Quote Originally Posted by Corkpuller View Post
    ser# 3B262700
    2022 Pro XS 225

    Wow. Sorry to but in, but after reading several other posts about this, I didn't want to start another.

    Question - can the correct/updated set screw/bolt be identified via serial number?
    I assume the only way to confirm what bolt is in there is to remove it. ?

    I just went out with my sharpie and marked mine. Did notice the bolt head is not not fully seated as mentioned being correct. Will surely keep an eye on it.
    I would put a torque stripe across the head of the bolt for a quick reference and check it every time you launch/recover your boat.

    my pin migrated out and not only had the loss of trim signal but the rod that’s held in by the set screw put a bit ole hole in the top of my trim motor. Check it and check it often.

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    #14
    I check mine every time I plan to use it. I agree there should be steps to correct this problem. Several of my friends has 4 strokes and there motor is different set up.

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    #15
    Quote Originally Posted by Basskicker907 View Post
    I would put a torque stripe across the head of the bolt for a quick reference and check it every time you launch/recover your boat.

    my pin migrated out and not only had the loss of trim signal but the rod that’s held in by the set screw put a bit ole hole in the top of my trim motor. Check it and check it often.
    Mine did the same thing and cost me big time on a James River BFL

  16. Member RMG63's Avatar
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    #16
    Mine did the EXACT same thing to me yesterday 2B789472 !!
    Caused me an hour and half delay on my tournament day but was able to rectify thru my dealer on what to do. 1/4' machine screw that totally disabled the trim AND made the motor surge when going to full throttle. NOT happy but grateful I was able to get it going again til I can take the engine in for a new set screw with Loctite.

    trim pin.jpg
    2021 Bass Cat Lynx
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  17. Member gaston13's Avatar
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    #17
    This is a shade tree solution but how about using two standard size wire ties criss-crossed over the bolt head? As long as the ties don't break the bolt can't back out from vibration.

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    #18
    My 250 has the pressed in pin. I check it every trip as my routine inspection and it's in there good. Few my buddies with the newer threaded pin have had issues.

  19. Member RMG63's Avatar
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    #19
    Still dumfounded that a 1/4" machine screw that can back out could reek so much havoc on your engine !! LOL.
    In hindsight, I am grateful it happened to me at the ramp and the beginning of the day. If this would have happened many miles up the lake from the ramp it could have been much worse.
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  20. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #20
    Quote Originally Posted by RMG63 View Post
    Still dumfounded that a 1/4" machine screw that can back out could reek so much havoc on your engine !! LOL.
    In hindsight, I am grateful it happened to me at the ramp and the beginning of the day. If this would have happened many miles up the lake from the ramp it could have been much worse.
    Those who keep commenting about a 1/4" machine screw lack basic knowledge on the subject matter at hand.


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
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