Well I think I cursed myself with a making a simple problem a lot more complex.
For some reason I thought it was necessary to loosen the 'manual release' valve 3-turns when trying to check the fluid level. All that did was let the fluid run out and make a general mess of things.
I ended up manually raising the motor with my 'Armstrong' power tool, and then supporting it with a small ladder. I left the manual release alone. I took the cap off and no fluid came out. So I ran the up button while squirting more fluid into the reservoir. It sucked it right up. Suddenly the motor lifted off the ladder and ran all the way up! I put the cap on the reservoir and that was that. The motor goes up & down just fine now.
I think the cause of this was low fluid level. I have occasionally noticed small fluid puddles under the motor. I traced it back to....another stupid move on my part. When storing the boat, I would lower the motor on to a block of wood. I would then give it just a nudge of 'down' to firmly plant it in place. My thinking was this would remove stress from the transom. I don't think the hydraulics are designed to hold pressure in the down position and that is what was leaking out. Recently I have left the motor off the wood block and supported by the hydraulics. I have not seen any leaks since.
Now, to keep this thread on topic... We are just about to head out make a run on the Columbia & Willamette rivers.... With my wife's family who are visiting from Mankato, MN.
Thanks,
-Eric