Johnson trim/tilt jumpy on the way down

[levittownnick]

Johnson 150hp, '97 model J150EXEUE S/N G04209751<br />2 symptons. 1)When lowering the power tilt the engine is bouncing on the way down untill it reaches the trim pistons and then lowers normally. If the lower unit is hand held on the way down, the bouncing is eliminated. 2) When the By-Pass valve is open, the engine smoothly lowers but can't be manually raised. I have noticed some play on the port side of the pivot tube. (This problem was not evident last season.)<br /><br />I read the post from stinky2 on May 29, 2003.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[DJ]

Re: Johnson trim/tilt jumpy on the way down

I believe it is low on fluid.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson trim/tilt jumpy on the way down

Not that it may pertain to your problem, but I have run into that in the past. In my case, it was due to tilt cylinder piston scuffing on the cylinder wall on the way down.

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Johnson trim/tilt jumpy on the way down

Thanks DJ & Joe. The fluid level was checked and the system run up and down many times in an effort to bleed any air. I have not found any sign of scuffing on the external part of the pushrod.<br />Is this in any way related to my 2nd symptom (can't raise the tilt/trim manually with the manual valve in release). Any idea on this problem?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Johnson trim/tilt jumpy on the way down

Joe is referring to the piston inside the T&T unit, not the rods you can see on the outside. It would require a teardown of the unit to check that out. It makes sense that you would have problems raising the motor with the relief valve open if the piston is sticking. Also it may be that the tilt tube is making it stick. Loosen the big nuts on the tilt tube and see if this helps at all. If so, you will need to lube the tube up. HAve you greased it lately?

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Johnson trim/tilt jumpy on the way down

Thanks Rick.<br />I was fearing that. I have greased the tilt tube. The engine lowers smoothly manually. I don't have any sense of binding at the tilt tube, it appears free.<br />Any other suggestions?

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Johnson trim/tilt jumpy on the way down

The battery has been recharged and now the tilt functions smoothly. I'm not 100% sure that there is a relationship, but it's working now.<br />Sincere thanks to all who responded.<br />Levittownnick