1985 70 hp Johnson Tilt/Trim wiring mess

cmcc

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I recently had the transom of my boat repaired. After the motor was reinstalled, the tilt worked fine but the trim didn't do anything. I can hear a click in the relay when I push the toggle up but not when I push it down. Does anyone know anything about this? There are two relays. One has the green wire from the tilt/trim the other has the blue then there is a ground wire, grounded to the motor. Each relay has 5 male adapters. Each relay has a female power connector in the center. The power cord jumps from one relay to the other. Each relay has a ground with a jump wire, and a brown wire that also jumps. The power wires are 2-8 gauge and a 10 gauge. Of course, I am assuming my trim problem is from poor wiring.
 

Reggie08

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Mar 31, 2008
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Re: 1985 70 hp Johnson Tilt/Trim wiring mess

Is your battery fully charged?
 

cmcc

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Re: 1985 70 hp Johnson Tilt/Trim wiring mess

No, not fully. It was charged enough to tilt and start the engine. I will fully charge the battery than try again. Ill get back to you.
 

cmcc

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Re: 1985 70 hp Johnson Tilt/Trim Relay Problem

Re: 1985 70 hp Johnson Tilt/Trim Relay Problem

The tilt works fine, but the trim doesn't move. I have a charged battery, brand new relays, and clean connections and still the problem remains. The relays are (2) 12V 40a with 5 terminals. I'm not completely sure the wires are connected to the right terminals, but the power is in the center, tilt on the left, ground on the right, and trim on the lower terminal. After connecting the wires to the battery, I could hear a click in the relay area with the flip of the toggle, but nothing moves. When I moved the trim wires to the vertical terminal on the upper half of the relay then touched the wire connections to the battery, I could hear the hydraulic pump working. When I connected the wires to the battery tightly, it stops working. Does anyone know what the heck is going on hear?
 

ezeke

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Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: 1985 70 hp Johnson Tilt/Trim wiring mess

The trim only works in the last 15+/- degrees of motion. The motor would need to be in the run position, then the trim rams will move up and down hydraulically. It is not electronic, but mechanical; The electrical just keeps the pump motor turning in the right direction.
 

cmcc

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Feb 5, 2008
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Re: 1985 70 hp Johnson Tilt/Trim wiring mess

The motor is in the run position.
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
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Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: 1985 70 hp Johnson Tilt/Trim wiring mess

Not debating you, the problem is mechanical.
 

cmcc

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Feb 5, 2008
Messages
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Re: 1985 70 hp Johnson Tilt/Trim wiring mess

I'm not interested in debating either. I'm just here to figure this thing out.
 
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