Johnson Tilt/Trim Actuator

[Chum Slick]

1980 115 hp Johnson: Do I have to remove engine from boat to replace the tilt/trim actuator (motor)? The motor will actuate while tapping on top of motor with switch engaged which leads me to believe loose contacts, corrosion on contacts, or worn brushes. I removed top cover of actuator and cleaned brushes and checked for corrosion on contacts, replaced actuator cover and still have same problem.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Johnson Tilt/Trim Actuator

Did you check for power at the wires on the motor when attempting to tilt?<br />Did any of the commutator bars(the part that the brushes ride on) look blacker than the others on the armature?<br />Before removal, try tapping on relay box and pulling on harnesses while the tilt switch is engaged.

 

[G. Patton]

Re: Johnson Tilt/Trim Actuator

Chum.... That's a indication of a dirty or faulty armature (brush contact). You do not need to remove the motor (outboard), however you will need to remove the PTT assy. At one point in time (it escapes me when) OMC redesigned the transom brackets so that when all the retaining bolts etc were removed from the PTT assy, the unit could be tilted backwards and out so that you could benchwork it.<br /><br />If your transom brackets are the eariler models, have the engine at a full tilt and brace the lower unit at the gearcase area. Tie the engine towards the right (starboard) side so that it can not move side ways. Remove the left (port) transom bracket (slide it to the left out of the way) . That will allow you remove the PTT assembly and do your repairs.