Stiff manual tilt on 1982 Evinrude 70hp

[driver440]

Hi folks. I have an extremely stiff manual tilt which judders/creaks as the leg is being lifted/dropped. I'm -trying- to isolate the problem by removing the tilt cylinder to check it out but being beaten at every step by sheered S/S bolts and corroded pins. Other than 4 indentations in the top of the cylinder cap, presumably for use with a 35mm pin wrench(?), there is no top-up or fluid level access on this model?<br /><br />Forgive my ignorance but how does this tilt cylinder work? Is it fluid filled or does it have a big spring in it or what?<br /><br />Is there a clever way of removing sheered s/s bolts from aluminium or the seized main pin in the top mounting?<br /><br />Really appreciate some help on this.<br /><br />Dave

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Stiff manual tilt on 1982 Evinrude 70hp

The stiff tilt is in all probibility due to corrosion etc around the tilt/steering tube area.<br />However, I will list problems that might affect either.<br /><br />(Steering tube)<br />Loosen one of the large side nuts 1/2 turn, grease the two fittings at the front section of the transom brackets. Using a 2x4 against the side of the swivel bracket near the top area, belt it with a heavy hammer sideways to break it free (works for me).<br /><br />If all else fails, besides the above, use a hand held propane torch to temporarily expand the aluminum of the top portion of the transom brackets that surround the steering tube.<br /><br />(Tilt Cyl)<br />The tilt cylinder is a hydraulic setup not unlike a old type normal shock absorber. The upper portion of that tilt cylinder has nylon bushings that will accumulate salt deposits between it and the aluminum that surrounds it, and also between it and the steel pin.<br /><br />This is a real pain to correct properly as you've discovered. A hand help propane torch can be used in a pinch to melt those nylon bushings slightly, resulting in a slight shrinkage of them which will allow easier movement.

 

[driver440]

Re: Stiff manual tilt on 1982 Evinrude 70hp

Thanks for the advice. Regarding the large steering/tilt pin, I can turn that pin with a wrench. I have greased it up and although it is tight, it turns so I am guessing the problem is elsewhere.<br /> <br />Ref the manual tilt cylinder. Should this contain hydraulic fluid and if so, how much? Could it be that it just needs topping up to lubricate the nylon bushes? There is no means of topping it up that I can see so could I get at it through the cylinder cap or does the piston/ram need to be removed first?<br /> <br />If I use propane on the nylon bushes as you suggest, is this directly through the top of the cylinder with the cap off or do I play the torch on the outside of the cylinder? <br /><br />I have the Clymer manual for this engine but it says next to nothing about manual tilt.<br /><br />Thanks, Dave

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Stiff manual tilt on 1982 Evinrude 70hp

The bushings that I speak of are at the extreme top portion of the tilt rod..... the lock pin goes thru them.

 

[driver440]

Re: Stiff manual tilt on 1982 Evinrude 70hp

Thanks for the tip on getting the upper pin out of the tilt cylinder. I tried the propane torch approach and was on the verge of giving up when one last thump started to shift it.<br /> <br />I can now confirm that it was this corroded pin that was causing the stiff tilt.<br /> <br />The next question I have regards the fluid inside the manual tilt cylinder. I lost some fluid when I took the cap off the tilt cylinder and as it looked pretty tired, I thought I would replace the fluid. Can someone tell me what fluid I should replace it with and how much should be in there? <br /><br />Thanks, Dave