1989 40 hp Johnson Tracker tilt options

[Rookie Boatman]

Like many on this forum, I've had a nightmare with the manual tilt assist cylinder on my Johnson outboard. (It's currently frozen in the down position.) While I understand why everyone recommends replacing the manual assist with a power t/t system, I simply don't have the money to do that right now. Is it possible to somehow change this setup to a purely manual, unassisted system? I just want to be able to tilt the motor up and lock it, then drop it down and lock it -- I can handle the weight of a 40 hp. Will simply removing the cylinder allow this, do I need to remove more than that, or do I need an entirely new mounting system? Thanks so much for any help!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1989 40 hp Johnson Tracker tilt options

is it frozen, or is the release wire broken, and the lever will not activate it. these thing are kind dangerous, you can take the bottom pin out, that adjusts the angle of the motor. to gain access. then manually lift the motor. now you can very slightly open the lever, and see if the cylinder expands. this way you determine whether the motor is frozen down, or the cylinder.

 

[Rookie Boatman]

Re: 1989 40 hp Johnson Tracker tilt options

The mechanic that looked at it told me both the cable and cylinder are broken, though to be honest I don't really trust him. He also told me I'd be looking at $1000 to repair it or install a power t/t system, and others around here have told me he might be taking me for a ride. If both are broken, though, can I remove the cylinder and move the motor manually? How, exactly, are these things dangerous? I don't have a lot of cash, but I'm not wanting to be stupid either!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1989 40 hp Johnson Tracker tilt options

they are under extreme pressure. let me go out and look at mine, will get back.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1989 40 hp Johnson Tracker tilt options

Click the thumbnails for the information in the factory service manual. It looks like the trigger mechanism is serviceable, but not the cylinder.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1989 40 hp Johnson Tracker tilt options

look at ebay # 230249454351 power TNT for you. cheap.

 

[Rookie Boatman]

Re: 1989 40 hp Johnson Tracker tilt options

Thanks so much Ezeke, TD. Sounds like the power t/t setup is the only way to go. Here's to hoping I come out ahead on ebay!

 

[jim_b_20653]

Re: 1989 40 hp Johnson Tracker tilt options

I replaced the manual unit on my 48SPL with a power unit from e-bay. pretty simple. I just had to wire in some relays that I got from NAPA. I have my original unit, cable and level assembly if that would help you. Another option is a aftermarket trim unit from CMC. This type bolts to your boat then the engine bolts to the unit.These units are a little pricey, but I see them on e-bay pretty regularly.

 

[pete6464]

Re: 1989 40 hp Johnson Tracker tilt options

wow you guys are lucky neither one of the pins on my manual tilt will budge.had to support motor and drill bellow relief valve to release oil.have to figure way to use reverse without engine jumping out of water

 

[Rookie Boatman]

Re: 1989 40 hp Johnson Tracker tilt options

Thanks so much for the ebay tip, TD, but I'm afraid it didn't work out. Item sold for over $400, and with shipping on top of that I just couldn't justify it. With new after-market models selling for only $100 or so more, I'm not risking my money with a used product that might give out on me...

Sent you a PM, JB20653. Thanks for the help, all!