87 Yamaha Power Tilt Problem

[AJC]

My 87 Yamaha 150 power tilt on my V20 is only going up about a third of the way and just stops. The power tilt continues to run but the motor does not go up or down. It goes up and down, but just that short distance. The motor sat for 2-3 months but worked fine before that. Does this mean the fluid is low? Any ideas anyone? Tks

[spareparts]

sounds like its low on fluid

[AJC]

Is it ok to use Dexron III for the Power Tilt & Trim fluid on a 87 Yamaha 150?

[spareparts]

factory oil is a 30 hydraulic, probably ok for ATF, can't see where it would hurt anything, I'ved used it before in a pinch with no probelms

[macojoe]

I had a 175 of the same year, I used hydraulic jack oil and was fine!

The other thing is check the cylinder caps on the 2 lift cylinders. They are the round covers that have 4 holes drilled for a wrench to fit in to lose or tighten. They come lose all the time or at least one does, just use a hammer and a punch to make tight!