Power Trim & Tilt Motor: 5 Checks Before You Order
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Power trim and tilt motors live in the worst place on a boat: low, wet and salty. When one fails, the replacement often looks almost identical to the old unit, and that is exactly how people end up with a motor that won't bolt on. This guide covers the checks we recommend before you order, with real examples from our own range.
Prefer to read? The full guide is below.
First: is it really the motor?
Before you buy anything, confirm that the motor is the part that has failed.
- Press the trim switch and listen for the relay clicking.
- If the relay clicks, check for voltage at the motor terminals.
- Voltage present but no movement: the motor has failed.
- No voltage: look at the relay, the fuse or the switch instead. A new motor won't fix that.
Also note that our trim and tilt motors are supplied as the electric motor only. You keep your existing pump and reservoir.
Check 1: Match the part number
Find the number on your old motor or in your parts manual, then compare it with the cross-reference table on the listing. One motor often covers several brands. For example, our Suzuki DF60–DF300 trim motor (38100-96J00) also cross-references to Honda 36120-ZY3-013 and 36120-ZX2-013, plus Sierra 18-6742.
Check 2: Count the wires
Most modern outboards use a 2-wire reversing motor, usually with blue and green wires. Some older systems use 3 wires, for example:
A 2-wire motor is not a drop-in replacement for a 3-wire system.
Check 3: Bolts and hole spacing
Count the mounting bolts (three or four), then measure the distance between the holes, centre to centre. Small differences matter:
| Motor | Mounting | Hole spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Honda BF75–BF250 (36120-ZY3-013) | 4-bolt | 66 mm |
| Honda BF40 / BF50, Suzuki DF40–DF60 (2011 on) | 4-bolt | 62 mm |
| Suzuki DF40 / DF50 (1999–2000) | 3-bolt | n/a |
Four millimetres is enough to stop a motor bolting on.
Check 4: The drive shaft
The shaft connects the motor to the pump, and it has to match. Examples from our range:
- Keyed 8 mm shaft: Honda BF75–BF250
- Blade shaft (8 × 4 mm): Honda BF40 / BF50
- Female hex shaft: Suzuki DF40 / DF50 (1999–2000) and Suzuki DT series
- 9-tooth shaft: Yamaha F15 / F20
Check 5: The exact model and year
The same engine name can use completely different motors depending on the year:
| Engine | Years | Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Suzuki DF40 / DF50 | 1999–2000 | 38100-87J00: 3-bolt, female hex shaft |
| Suzuki DF40 / DF50 / DF60 | 2011 onwards | 38100-88L12: 4-bolt, blade shaft, 62 mm |
Quick checklist before you order
- Motor at fault: relay clicks and voltage reaches the motor?
- Part number: is it in the cross-reference table?
- Wires: 2-wire or 3-wire?
- Mounting: number of bolts and hole spacing?
- Shaft: keyed, blade, hex or toothed?
- Model and year: does your exact engine appear in the fitment guide?
FAQ
Is the pump or reservoir included?
No. Our trim and tilt motors are the electric motor only unless the listing says otherwise. Transfer your existing pump and reservoir.
My trim goes the wrong way after fitting. Why?
Some multi-brand motors are wired for one manufacturer's plug. On our Honda / Suzuki / Tohatsu 40–60HP unit, Suzuki and Tohatsu owners may need to swap the blue and green wires in the connector so Up and Down work the right way.
Are O-rings included?
It depends on the unit. Check the listing: many include the O-ring, and we recommend inspecting your seals when fitting.
Not sure which motor you need? Send us your part number or a photo of your old motor before you order. You can also browse all tilt & trim motors or read our Marine Electrical Parts FAQ. Choosing a starter? See our guide: How to Choose the Right Starter Motor.