2003 115 4sk Trim Rod question...

[nocturn]

While doing my pre storage maintenance routine, I noticed only one of my trim rods was retracting at a time. After the starboard side rod retracted all the way, the port side rod started to retract. Visa versa for extending.

Are'nt both rods supposed to retact and extend at the same time? And if so, why arent they? Potential problem?

TiA...

[boats.net]

Yes that is normal without the weight of motor they will not retract togather.

[nocturn]

Thanks Barry and Boats.net.

Now that I think about it and how hydraulics work in a single cylinder with 2 rams while in a load vs. no load situation, it makes sense that only one rod would extend/retract at a time.

While under engine load, force is distributed to both rams equally (50%/50%)whereas when no load is encountered, 100% force is directed to the least resistant ram (less back tension or furthest ram in the series)and so on.

Thanks again.