Last month my old 1980 Merc.,wouldn't go up or down.I didn't know you had to put oil in it.So after putting oil in the pump,it worked fine.This past Fri.,while night fishing,the motor worked fine.On sunday again the motor wouldn't move.Could it be time to get a new pump?

Well, if it's low in fluid again, might be time to find and fix the leak. If the pump is running, and it's just the motor is not moving, I would do a little trouble shooting before just installing a new pump, lots of other things can cause problems. Even if the motor does not run, you need to check the relays and electrical side first.

My motor did this a few weeks ago replaced relays still didn't work. Got to looking and it was some wires corroded and just broke from old age. Look around at all the elctrical stuff good before replacing anything, the relays was only $30 but I didn't need them.

Have the same problem with a 1980s Evinrude. Asked around and heard air in the pump that brings it up. Honestly, I haven't made the effort to fix it because I don't use that boat often so I don't have a for sure diagnosis. But I agree with others, possibly could be the low fluid.

Thanks for the replies.I checked yesterday,one of the cylinders is leaking.I searched the net,and finally found a rebuilt kit,for it.I'm going doing both cylinders,for $106.00.

Thanks for the replies.I checked yesterday,one of the cylinders is leaking.I searched the net,and finally found a rebuilt kit,for it.I'm going doing both cylinders,for $106.00.

 

Perfect. They are fairly easy to install as well. Had to do it on my last boat with a 175 mariner

I finaly got the money to buy the repair kits,and my friend did the work.After he finished the motor went up and down,no problem.A few days later,I tried it,still working fine.Last week I tried the motor,it's still working.Monday evening while getting the boat ready for Tues.,I tried it again.Hey motor going up and down.Tues.morning got on the lake,yep you guessed it,motor won't move.I hear the pump running,but that's all.Any guesses on what's going on?

Thanks,Bill

Did you check the fluid, many times an attempted repair is not a fix.  Things happen, he could have cut a seal, the rod could have a ding that was over looked, left something loose and it still have a leak that let the fluid out again. 

 

Not sure if that motor has a coupler in the pump or not, but those that do, sometimes they can brake.  Motor spins, but won't turn the pump.

My friend just left,after checking the pump.Fluid is fine.He's going pull the pump apart and look it over.Might have to rebuild it.