Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

See that grey cap on my power tilt unit? If I unscrew that fluid will spill out (I carefully loosened it to test so I know). So how am I supposed to check fluid levels or add fluid?

How do I top off a fluid reservoir that will spill fluid if it's opened? I lowered the bow of the boat on the trailer to the ground and it still didn't bring the reservoir to a level that wouldn't spill. I could remove the whole unit it but I am afraid of bending or breaking the hydraulic lines. This is not a new boat.

Tilt the motor all the way up and try that that's what the manual says to do on a Evenrude. Hope that helps.

the fluid reservoir is not attached to the motor. Changing the angle of the motor doesn't change the angle of the reservoir opening.

I know the motor is supposed to be up when the reservoir is opened.

When you take it up you remove the fluid from the storage tank to the lift cylinder

I know it doesn't move the ideal is to move all the fluid out of the reservoir into the cylinders so the level in the reservoir goes down so it doesn't run out when you pull the plug out. Wasn't trying to be smart just trying to help.

redbeard wrote:I know it doesn't move the ideal is to move all the fluid out of the reservoir into the cylinders so the level in the reservoir goes down so it doesn't run out when you pull the plug out. Wasn't trying to be smart just trying to help.

You gave the right advice! Also engage the tilt lock for safety before messing with it. The fluid does not have to be above the plug level to be full if you have the engine all the way up.

jrolin1 wrote:

redbeard wrote:I know it doesn't move the ideal is to move all the fluid out of the reservoir into the cylinders so the level in the reservoir goes down so it doesn't run out when you pull the plug out. Wasn't trying to be smart just trying to help.

You gave the right advice! Also engage the tilt lock for safety before messing with it. The fluid does not have to be above the plug level to be full if you have the engine all the way up.

Aha! That's the answer. Add fluid until it spills because that means it's at full capacity with the piston extended DESPITE it being at at angle. That clarification is not my owner's manual, and obviously the reservoir holds less fluid if the bottom is level to the ground. thanks!