Thanks Guys,
Let me clarify, the issue with the ram for the tilt started awhile ago, so I started to inspect the external components and found some weeping around the port side TRIM RAm, right at the dust cover seal. I assumed that I had been leaking for a while and would be low on Hydraulic fluid and assumed this was the issue(maybe that's what I get for assuming). Anyway, I changed out the external seal without opening the cylinder ( I know, I'd never heard of this either) and then cracked the bolt to fill the res. As soon as I cracked the bolt fluid began running out (boat was level) so I assumed fluid level was not the issue. Sounds like maybe the bad seal allowed air into the system????? I will try the manual release screw and lift method this weekend. Creek, got it --didn't understand the meaning of brushes. But yeah, the motor seems to be working fine, I can hear it and she tilts up and just fine when under load.
Thanks again.