Trim cylinder end caps stuck

[brielly1]

I noticed some oil around the dust seal on my trim cylinder. I replaced the trim motor today. When I push in on the trim rods I see a very tiny amount of fluid bubble up around the dust seal. I assume this means I have a bad seal? Since I already have the trim and tilt off to replace the motor I figure its time to replace the seals. Unfortunately the caps are not coming loose even with the spanner tool and a large breaker bar. What are my options here? I already have new caps so I have no problem butchering up the old ones if need be. I was thinking maybe large channel locks or an air chisel to knock this thing loose. I read a post somewhere that said some yamaha techs actually know how to cut them out? That would be a last resort of course. Is heat ok or could that cause other problems? Any help would be appreciated. The motor is a 96 yamaha 250.

[rodbolt17]

heat works well.
its typically easier to break them loose with the unit mounted in the engine brackets.
place the spanner on the cal,use a piece of pipe slid down the ram onto the top of the tool.
lower the motor onto the pipe to keep the tool pressed on the cap.
heat and crack loose.

[BQUICK]

If you have new caps, I've had good luck using a drift at an angle and hammer to get them loose. I got some pipe Visegrips that wrapped perfectly around the OD of the cap but wouldn't break them free from the Florida corrosion.

[brielly1]

I hit it with mapp gas and used an air chisel to break it free. ***! Another half mm and I would have damaged the housing but I figured I had nothing to lose. On to the seals now.

[brielly1]

Now for my next question. I have the o-rings but there is also a small plastic ring (backup ring) that I don't have. First I noticed it isn't solid but has a small break in it. I assume its supposed to be that way. Should I replace this part as well or is it most likely the o-rings that cause the leaks?

[rodbolt17]

replace them all,they are cheap.
its called a backup ring.
helps prevent the oring from pinching and rolling up.
the gap is normal,it allows installation.

[brielly1]

Alrighty all parts have been replaced and its back on the boat (found the back up ring locally). Now I need to hook up the tilt tube to the motor. Only problem is Ive lost my helper so I need to do it myself. Can I operate the trim and tilt without it hooked up to the motor? I need to raise the tilt ram up to meet up with the engine. I just want to make sure I wont damage anything by doing so.