Dumb Question From Newbie

[swinslow]

I am from the school that the only dumb question is the one that doesn't get asked, but I have to admit this one is pretty bad.<br /><br />I recently was given a 1979 Phantom with a 75hp Johnson. My dumb question is, what is the method for lowering the motor? It is a manual tilt. Does the steel bar have to be removed to lower the unit, or can it be done differently?<br /><br />Thanks in advance

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Dumb Question From Newbie

Is the 75 also a 1979 model? What steel bar are we talking about?

 

[swinslow]

Re: Dumb Question From Newbie

Yes, it is also a 1979. The steel bar is the one that runs from one side of the mount to the other, through holes on each side. It has a rotating pin on the end to keep it from sliding back through the holes (believe that it is called the thrust rod maybe)?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Dumb Question From Newbie

OK, thats the thrust rod. That is what the motor rides aginst and determines the trim angle when there is no power trim & tilt.<br /><br />With no power trim there is a release that you flip and to tilt it up you "grab & grunt". To let it down you flip the lever the other direction, pull the motor up slightly, youll hear a "click" and then let it down.<br /><br />If you release the lock and try to go in reverse with any power, the motor will kick up.

 

[swinslow]

Re: Dumb Question From Newbie

So, the thrust rod does not need to be removed to do any of this? Sorry for the inexperience.<br /><br />Thanks again for the help

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Dumb Question From Newbie

Hey, no need to apologize. You should have seen me trying to tilt a 50 hp Merc the first time my Dad took one in on trade. <br /><br />Can you get it to tilt up like you want?

 

[swinslow]

Re: Dumb Question From Newbie

It is already tilted up to the top position. I have moved it all the way to the bottom holes, but it seems to me that the thrust rod needs to be taken out to do it. Just wasn't sure if I was doing it correctly. Want to have everything figured out before hitting the water.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Dumb Question From Newbie

Remove the thrust rod and insert it in the hole you want then lower the motor to make contact with the rod.Be sure the lock down is latched.

 

[ED21]

Re: Dumb Question From Newbie

The position of the thrust rod is basically determined by trial & error.<br />What ever position makes the boat assume the correct attitude when running. <br />Not to much bow up or down.<br />If you can tell where the rod was by wear in the paint, that would be a good place to start.