Power Tilt/Trim 1988 Johnson 88spl

[woodshole]

I need help changing the fluid on my tilt & trim unit. There is the fill plug in front and a manual override screw on the side. The manual overide screw on the side leaks. I want to take it out and replace the o-ring there. Has anyone done this? (it is what I am particulary interested in) There appears to be a a retaining snap ring to prevent the screw from coming out. Where can I get o-rings for the fill plug and override screw?? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.<br />thanks<br />sean

 

[Down South]

Re: Power Tilt/Trim 1988 Johnson 88spl

I've never had the problem you are talking about but maybe I can help. A standard O-ring from your local auto parts dealer should work for this. You might want to get several different size O-rings that are as close to the size of the one you want to replace to make sure you will have one that will fit. <br /> If the screw that has the O-ring on it will not come out but you can see the O-ring, I usually stretch the new O-ring over the head of the screw and then get it in place.<br /><br />Hope this helps, Sam

 

[MUCSTAK]

Re: Power Tilt/Trim 1988 Johnson 88spl

Here is what I did: As you know the manual release screw is indented into the casting of the lower unit. Mine leaked too, sending an oil trail everywhere I went. I took the simple route, bought a cork , yes a cork, and inserted it into the indention infront of the manual release screw. If you need to manaully release, just take out the cork. I had the cork in there for over 10 years, no problems. Sold the boat and as far as I know, it is still there! Cost me every bit of 25 cents, was a permanent fix and took 10 seconds. Good luck

 

[woodshole]

Re: Power Tilt/Trim 1988 Johnson 88spl

I just may do that cork trick.. tough I'm itching to know if it is very difficult to remove that screw and replace the o-ring???? Do you need to remove the trim unit from the mounting bracket to get at the screw , snap ring, and o-ring??

 

[MUCSTAK]

Re: Power Tilt/Trim 1988 Johnson 88spl

The screw will come all the way out, I think. Go with the cork. Paint it metallic blue and nobody will even see it!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Power Tilt/Trim 1988 Johnson 88spl

Woodshole..... Plugging up the exterior access hole to that manual release valve is a cosmetic patch job which will lead to other problems. There is still a metal to metal area between the P/T/T and the starboard transom bracket where the P/T/T fluid will leak out, and by the same token... that is a access point where water can gain access to the inner workings of the P/T/T.<br /><br />The OMC part number of the "O" Ring for the manual release valve is #202893 which should be available at any OMC Evinrude/Johnson dealership. The "O" Ring can, no doubt, also be found at many automotive part type stores, including NAPA.<br /><br />Should you ever need the fill screw "O" Ring, that OMC part number is #307450.<br /><br />The Manual release valve is no doubt leaking due to the fact that someone backed it out too far, and into that retaining snap ring that you mentioned. Two (2) turns out of that valve is plenty to operate it up or down manually.<br /><br />You'll need to remove that snap ring in order to remove and reinstall the valve. No need to reinstall the snap ring as long as you remember the "Two Turns Out Are Plenty" thing.<br /><br />Filling the P/T/T assy.... Have the engine in the full tilt position, then fill the reservoir. Replace the fill screw. Run the engine up and down a couple times to bleed off air. Recheck and top off the lube if needed.

 

[woodshole]

Re: Power Tilt/Trim 1988 Johnson 88spl

"The Manual release valve is no doubt leaking due to the fact that someone backed it out too far, and into that retaining snap ring that you mentioned..."<br /><br />I think that is exactly what happened. So now I just remove the retaining ring and and replace the o-ring. How would backing it out to much make it leak? (I am having trouble visualizing this mechanism.) Is the valve screw damaged?? Can I do this without removing the whole Tilt and Trim unit.

 

[woodshole]

Re: Power Tilt/Trim 1988 Johnson 88spl

Q: what does the valve screw look like when out?<br />Q: how do I take the retaining clip out?<br /><br />thanks

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Power Tilt/Trim 1988 Johnson 88spl

Woodshole.... There is no need to take the PTT assy off of the engine. This is a very easy thing to do. Just make sure that you have the engine supported if it's in a tilted position. Have a bucket handy as some lube will naturally drain out.<br /><br />The manual release valve would not be damaged. The "O" Ring was damaged because the outer diamater of the "O" Ring is approximately the same size as the snap ring. Backing the valve out too far runs the outer area of the "O" Ring into the inner edge of the retaining snap ring, causing the snap ring to cut it.<br /><br />You can remove the snap ring with the proper internal snap ring pliers, small tip long nose pliers, a ice pick... anything that will grab into one or both of the small holes you see at the end of the snap ring. Don't be concerned about destroying it. You can always install a new one later if you decide to do so.

 

[woodshole]

Re: Power Tilt/Trim 1988 Johnson 88spl

Thanks joe reeves it all worked out well<br />-Sean