Add factory power tilt to 1971 125 hp Johnson

Mouse1

Cadet
Joined
Jul 13, 2016
Messages
26
Is it possible to add a factory power tilt unit to a 1971 125 HP Johnson(125ESL71C)? Does not have one now. Would I have to change mounting bracket? Would rather use a factory unit and control box then an aftermarket one. Any suggestions would be great. Boat is a 1971 Glastron tri-hull. Replacing rotting floor and rebuilding the transom, so motor will be off boat.
 

dazk14

Ensign
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
966
1971 did not offer a power trim & Tilt unit. PT&T began in 1973 as an easy bolt on backpack style, that will not fit yours.

You did specifically say "Tilt" and that was an available option with a motor pump that bolted(three) to the side of the motor with a center tilt cylinder that was installed where the normal non-powered cylinder would be placed. A single hydraulic line connected the 2.

SOOO, If you can find a used setup or complete motor, you could retrofit, however the pumps are ancient, so keep that in mind. Plus some wiring, but thats pretty easy.

The CMC units can be appealing, since new and you get trim.

Hope that helps!
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Check out the factory exploded parts diagram for your engine. I shows the optional tilt mechanism. When you get into the factory website: epc.brp.com, you will have to do some special hunting. You do not want to go into the engines, but rather into the section called "outboard accessories." Look under your model year 1971 and you will see the original parts. Probably most all are long-since NLA. You'd be better hunting for a 71 engine, with the tilt. Buy the engine and transplant the tilt unit.
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
13,677
I remember in the 1970s those tilt units being extremely unreliable. It seemed more than 3/4 of them had quit and the owners never repaired them. So watch out on the secondhand stuff
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Look into the CMC Units. I've installed a few of them and they are simple and work good.
 
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