Johnson Tilt & Trim Can get up, but not down

[bertherr]

1978 Johnson 85 HP Javelin. The engine was stored for the winter in the full up position with the manual tilt/trail lock supporting the engine. The engine will not lower using the power trim/tilt switch. The trim motor does run with the switch in either direction. If I open the relief screw I can push the motor down only to the two trim cylinders. I can not push these two cylinders down. No oil comes out of the relief screw. At this point, the relief screw has too much pressure on it to screw it back in. If I run the trim motor up & down a couple of times I can then screw the relief screw back in. Now, the motor will tilt up using the tilt switch but, can only be lowered as described above. I filled the unit with trim fluid. What can I do? Thanks, Bert

 

[Brad-nTrish]

Re: Johnson Tilt & Trim Can get up, but not down

I just went through this. Mine the valve was sticking. Looking at the O.B. from the rear look towards the area by the tilt motor, then go down a bit further you will see a Large slotted cap, that is where your valve body is. Un screw the plug and take a pair of needle nose plyers and pull out the little brass valve body. I cleanded mine up making sure not to loose the springs at either end of the valve body. Re-instal and find a nut and place it on the end of the valve body tip, put plug over that and tighten. This will allow the valve body to be pushed all the way in to free if stuck. Pull the plug back out remove the nut. (note the nut will just sit in there freely not being attatched to anything but the little tip on the valve body) Now that that is done put the slotted cap back in raise the motor to full position and put lock to lock position. Pull the cap off of the res. chamber. Mine took Dextron III check to see what yours takes. Fill fluid with the type yours takes untill it comes out of the hole. Man. pump the motor up and down by hand and this will take the air out of lines. Please note the systems you are talking about is the same thing I did! Left the tilt all the way up. I still am not sure what set of these fixed the problem, however it does work like new now. I figure stuck valve was the problem but i did all the steps because what the heck it was so easy!!! I did not want to be stuck on the water wishing I did them all!! LOL Good luck and i hope this helps! Brad, Trish and kids

 

[bertherr]

Re: Johnson Tilt & Trim Can get up, but not down

Thanks. I'll try your suggestion. Bert

 

[bertherr]

Re: Johnson Tilt & Trim Can get up, but not down

Will this slotted cap look like the screw you remove to fill up with trim fluid? Mine is a 1978, is this valve accessible without removing the engine? Thanks, Bert

 

[bertherr]

Re: Johnson Tilt & Trim Can get up, but not down

http://boaterssupply.com/images/fiche/big/3935872083.GIF <br />Can you take a look at this diagram and tell me which slotted cap you are talking about? I saw this in another posting titled evinrude tilt problem. Thanks, Bert

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Johnson Tilt & Trim Can get up, but not down

It would be # 60,4,11.

 

[bertherr]

Re: Johnson Tilt & Trim Can get up, but not down

Thanks Rick.

 

[bertherr]

Re: Johnson Tilt & Trim Can get up, but not down

I was all set with diagrams and advice to work on my trim & tilt system this past saturday. I did not get a chance to work on it because it fixed itself! I just got to go fishing. I read on someone elses posting that built up pressure on both sides of a valve will sometimes relieve itself in time. I guess this is what happened. A retired OMC mechanic told me that my year's system (1978) had problems if kept in the full tilt posiition, especially when trailered down the road. The bouncing built up pressure. Thanks again. Bert