Johnson stern bracket broke

[sinc747]

It was going to be a simple parts swap, right? I bet you know what I mean. <br /><br />My son's home for a few days and we were going to replace the trim/tilt assembly on his 88 Johnson 40 hp.<br /><br />So, first we wrung off two of the bolts holding the t/t assembly to the stern brackets. Darn. Then, we tried a torch on the bracket to loosen the broken bolts. No luck. The we drilled out the threads in the port stern bracket. Double darn. Finally, we cracked the stern bracket trying to use an ease-out. Triple darm.<br /><br />So, we need stern brackets for a 1988 Johnson J40TLCUD, part #319932 (port) and #319933 (starboard).<br /><br />More than parts, we need some advice on how to replace the stern brackets. The Johnson bench manual doesn't appear to cover removing/replacing the stern brackets.<br /><br />Son headed back to Florida a litle while ago and his momma's not to happy about an extra boat in the driveway, so your help is needed or I may be sleeping in one of the boats! <br /><br />Thanks!

 

[OBJ]

Re: Johnson stern bracket broke

Hey sinc! Welcome to the forums!<br /><br />Ain't the way it always goes? Seemingly simple job turns to crap soup.<br /><br />Well.....first you will need to lift the engine and support it for the transom brackets removal. Once the TNT unit is removed, all you really need to do is remove the steering tube and the brackets should drop off. Just remove one steering tube nut if possible....usually the one on the port side is the easiest. Watch the plastic washers that come out and note where they go. Clean everything up now before installing the new (or used) brackets. Lube the pivot points with a good grade marine grease when you assemble stuff. A parts manual for the engine would be a great help. If there is any help we can give, don't be shy to ask. Lot of good help here...... <br /><br />By the way, does the engine have a tilt sender on the port bracket? This sends the signal to the trim gauge on the dash.

 

[sinc747]

Re: Johnson stern bracket broke

OBJ, thanks for the welcome. I've been lurking here for a few years and finally need the help. It was just a matter of time.<br /><br />FYI, the tilt sender on ours is mounted on the tilt ram (port side) and was disconnected before we bought the boat.<br /><br />BTW, while I have the engine up off the transome, is that a good time to change out the steering cable, or can that be done anytime?

 

[OBJ]

Re: Johnson stern bracket broke

Would be a real good time to change the cable out sinc. Most often than not, the engine must be lifted to replace a steering cable so if yours is in need, now would be the time. You will also want to get a good marine sealant for the bolt holes when you re-mount the engine. Lot of good silicon base sealants on the market. This will keep the water from seeping into the transom. Stay away from regular RTV silicon. It kinda gives up after a while. Your local marine shop would probably be able to help you out with a good sealant.