1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

[59seaskiff]

I have n otherwise beautifully restored 35HP Seahorse RD-19 that is stuck in the down position. I am not sure how the mechanism works, since I have never operated the motor before. But the Lock/Release lever moves as it should (although with some resistance), and I can see movement in some of the mechanism behind the shaft. But the pin that determines (I think) the tilt position is stuck in one place and while I can rattle it, it won't move.

Any ideas? Is something stuck (I suspect so), or am I doing something wrong?

Thanks!

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

When you have it in 'release", can you not pull up on the leg to raise the motor? Sometimes they are a bit tight from sitting and need some oil and muscle. Then the pin can be pulled out and re inserted.

 

[59seaskiff]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

High Trim, Thanks for the reply. No, with all we can muster, neither my son and nor I can lift the motor in release mode. It is mounted on a wheeled motor stand, so there is a limit to how hard we can lift. Any suggestions?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

y'all may want to try having one person manually push down on the catch spring mechanism while the other lifts on the motor. Lifting from the skeg end of the motor can give you a bit more leverage too.

 

[Roberthill]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/vintage-evinrude-johnson/377023/37702300001.htm]Vintage Evinrude Johnson Outboard Parts & Diagrams - Catalog 377023[/url]

Go to page 14 see item 102 ,pull on this item while in release position .

 

[geoffwga1]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

Item 101 is a bushing .How can he pull on it?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

HI geoff. You should be able to have one person manually push down on the catch (part #104, pg 14) while someone else lifts the lower unit from the skeg. Also, make sure part #96 is in the RELEASE position.

 

[59seaskiff]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

Thanks so much for the suggestions mates - however nothing seems to budge it. Lever in release position, spring mechanism appears to be releasing, two people working in team. Agreed on the bushing - nothing to lift. By reaching in to the center of the horizontal pin that is attached to the spring mechanism, it moves freely up and down, but I cannot dislodge the tilt pin below it at all. It will only rattle there. If this was the problem though, it seems like I could at least put pressure on this pin by trying to lift the skeg...but no. The motor is frozen solid.

 

[59seaskiff]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

Hope this image insertion works....

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

Wow great looking motor! I would start by looking at the LOCK/RELEASE lever and making sure that it is connected on the back side (parts #96, #102, #104; pg. 14). You may also want to have one person push down on the catch in the pic below while another lifts from the skeg. You can also try loosening the main pivot bolt that holds the motor to the transom clamp (part #106, pg 14). Regardless of the method just go slow and take your time so you don't dent/ding that little looker.

 

[59seaskiff]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

Well - I have to give up...I have tried it all, including loosening the bolt that attaches the motor to the transom clamp. Looking now for a shop to take it to for resolution. Thanks for the thoughts - they are appreciated!

 

[ronboonville]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

I think should go with what kfa said, loosen that main pivot bolt and see if you can tap it back and forth.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP won't lift up out of water.

Don't give up just yet. That motor is in great shape and chances are the release mechanism is fine. Perhaps one of the linkages has come loose. If you can get one person to push down on the part in the pic below the other should be able to raise the motor.