Johnson 175 Motor wobbles

ScraggyNeck

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Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
8
I have a Johnson 1988 175 HP. The engine seems to wobble. I think the upper motor mount is bad. Is there any way to check this without taking the Power Head off? I just purchased it and the previous ower said he used it that way for two years. The engine is very clean, no rust. Any suggestions?
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
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Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Johnson 175 Motor wobbles

While the upper mount could be bad the nut on the bottom of the steering arm assembly could be loose. Check oput the parts diagram at shop.evinrude.com to get an idea of what we're refering to. The nut is on the bottom of the steering arm assembly down by the lower motor mounts.
 

ScraggyNeck

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Feb 22, 2009
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8
Re: Johnson 175 Motor wobbles

Thanks,I see what you mean. I will check to see if the nut is loose when I get to the shop. If so, that would be an easy fix. The engine is currently sitting on a stand and move back in forth very easy, almost too easy. I did notice when the engine is at its stop either all the way left or right it is still moves a little, either this is the shock working properly or damaged? I have other engines that do not have this slop in them, they are much tighter. Maybe tightening the nut if loose will fix my problem.
 

Benny1963

Lieutenant
Joined
Sep 17, 2006
Messages
1,476
Re: Johnson 175 Motor wobbles

lowerunit removal ,
there is also a bushing in the top and bottom has retainer .
when i built my 175 it had a lot of play so i rebuilt mid sec .
took forever to get the parts top mount is under powerhead .
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Johnson 175 Motor wobbles

It's not a bolt, it's a nut on the bottom of the steering tube that runs up and down. The nut is down by the lower motor mounts. You might be able to see it from up underneith the lower mount area.
 

ScraggyNeck

Cadet
Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
8
Re: Johnson 175 Motor wobbles

I remove the four bolts on the lower motor mounts. The engine seem very loose. How much play should there be with the upper motor mount still connected? Also, I cannot see the Nut. What is needs to be remove to get to it?
 

ScraggyNeck

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Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
8
Re: Johnson 175 Motor wobbles

Is there anyway to check the motor mounts without pulling the head and lower units? I hate to do that if there is a an easy fix.
 

coolguy147

Commander
Joined
Jul 14, 2008
Messages
2,817
Re: Johnson 175 Motor wobbles

hows ur spark fuel mixture and compression?

sometimes if ur too rich or lean the motor will vibrate

no spark will result in a cylinder not working and providing un equal force.

and at idle the engine my vibrate to stay alive since the fact that u might have poor compression


some thoughts?
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: Johnson 175 Motor wobbles

The nut is #13 at the bottom of the steering assembly. You have to drop the gearcase to work on it. Click the thumbnail, please.
 

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Dhadley

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Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Johnson 175 Motor wobbles

I'd almost bet on the nut being loose.
 

ScraggyNeck

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Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
8
Re: Johnson 175 Motor wobbles

Thanks, I will check the nut to see if its loose. I will let you know. As far as the engine vibrating, you can feel the wobble just moving it back and forth.
 
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