Johnson trim tilt issue

[dridog]

1987 90 hp Johnson power trim is stuck in the up position. I can hear the motor run when powered going up and down, but it will not pull the motor down. It will power up but not down.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Johnson trim tilt issue

Are the two trim rams moving down? You have to wait for them to complete their withdrawal before the tilt ram starts down.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Johnson trim tilt issue

Welcome to iboats!

Just by chance ....do you have a manual? I would check and make sure the locking arm is not engaged, use the manual release valve and check the fluid level.

 

[Capcrete]

Re: Johnson trim tilt issue

How ironic you posted this issue. I have a late 70's Evinrude that is doing the same exact thing (yet) again this past weekend.

Last time it happened to me, I took it into the repair shop. They mechanics told me I had lifted the motor too far, and something about pressure buildup isn't letting it go down. They mentioned something about having to take a spanner wrench to loosen the the ram, to release the pressure. I'm not exactly sure how to do it, which is why I'm on here - I would like to know, so I can fix it myself.

I do know you can use the bypass manual release to temporarily lower the motor, but you still won't be able to trim the motor out.

I figure worse case scenario, I'll go back to the repair shop, and I'll give 'em $20 to show me how to fix it.

 

[dridog]

Re: Johnson trim tilt issue

thanx for the info. found the manual release adjustment screw and was able to drop motor. May be back later on fixing the opverall issue. Thanx again

 

[RRitt]

Re: Johnson trim tilt issue

How ironic you posted this issue. I have a late 70's Evinrude that is doing the same exact thing (yet) again this past weekend.

Last time it happened to me, I took it into the repair shop. They mechanics told me I had lifted the motor too far, and something about pressure buildup isn't letting it go down. They mentioned something about having to take a spanner wrench to loosen the the ram, to release the pressure. I'm not exactly sure how to do it, which is why I'm on here - I would like to know, so I can fix it myself.

I do know you can use the bypass manual release to temporarily lower the motor, but you still won't be able to trim the motor out.

I figure worse case scenario, I'll go back to the repair shop, and I'll give 'em $20 to show me how to fix it.

I don't think you and he have same source problem. Your pump needs about 500psi drop across the gears before it can change direction. If there is no bleed off then you have to wait for the fluid to escape back across the gears. Using thinner fluid will reduce the wait time. However, the best way is to not lift your engine hard against the stop. That way your internal pressure is determined by the weight of engine and you should be able to reverse directions promptly. If you have difficulty, then install a trim limit switch that simply cuts off trim motor when it reaches a certain angle. Other Prestolite pumps reduced the problem by increasing the ability of the gears to reach a neutral pressure. later years eliminated the problem by changing the design so that it used lossy type regulators.

I think an '87 90HP might have a three ram setup with a completely different pump design.

 

[ucaughtme]

Re: Johnson trim tilt issue

Hay, I had the same problem on a 70hp, checked out everthing had to change the relays and a motor. good luck , working good now. don't forget the fluid.