T&T Johnson 90

[Dave Abrahamson]

1983 Johnson 90 J90TLCTE<br />The T&T fluid is the color of a frappucino from Starbucks(not that I go to Starbucks ).<br />I know it is contaminated with water so I replaced the broken O-ring on the manual release screw. My question is, how do you remove/evacuate all the old hydraulic fluid from the system? Siphon out through the fill screw? I left out the manual release screw and moved the motor up and down several times while fluid squirted out the hole several feet. Now it doesn't squirt anymore fluid. Should I fill it back up now or.......?<br /><br />Thanks in advance guys,<br /><br />Dave

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: T&T Johnson 90

Fill it back up and run the unit up and down a bunch of times to mix things up. Then drain and refill a few times. It should be pretty clean after 3 changes. Check fluid occasionally during the season.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: T&T Johnson 90

So doing what I did is the way to get the most fluid out before refilling?

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: T&T Johnson 90

UPDATE!<br />Well I tried to get most of the fluid out, got the unit as level as I could, filled the reservoir until fluid ran out, tried to cycle the motor up and down and now it won't move. You can hear the motor running, and with the motor supported on the trailer lock, the trim rams appear to move but no-go with the tilt ram. It worked beforeI changed the fluid!?!?<br />Also, I can move the motor up and down by hand with the manual release screw tight. I shouldn't be able to do that... should I? Did I get air in the system somehow that is not getting out? What did I screw up this time? <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Dave

 

[OBJ]

Re: T&T Johnson 90

Dave....add more fluid. Keep doing so until the engine goes all the way up. Then down again. Always add fluid with the engine all the way up. When it runs ok, cycle it up and down several times. And keep the fill plug a little lose to let the air bleed off.<br /><br />The proper level is when the engine is all the way up and the fluid is level with the fill hole.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: T&T Johnson 90

OK, let me be sure I have this straight.<br />With the engine tilted all the way up, resting on the trailer lock, I should fill the reservoir and while leaving the plug loose, power tilt the engine UP until it lifts itself off the tilt lock? Then cycle up/down and refill? My problem is the reservoir seems full(fluid runs out the fill hole) yet the motor won't move when the pump runs. I shouldn't be able to move the motor up and down by hand should I? Shouldn't the tilt ram keep me from doing that? Help.<br /><br />Dave

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: T&T Johnson 90

^

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: T&T Johnson 90

I know someone here has to know this. When the unit is filled and the fill plug is in tight, I shouldn't be able to lift the motor should I? I can, so does it mean air in the system? I tried to run it up and down and the pump motor got so hot it shut itself down. Is there a way to bleed these systems? Sorry if I'm being a PITA with all these questions, but the system worked till I #*!#ed with it so I know it works.<br /><br />Thanks again<br />Dave

 

[OBJ]

Re: T&T Johnson 90

Sounds like you stirred up some junk in there Dave. The system is self bleeding, that's why you leave the fill plug lose a little to let the air bleed off. Make sure the manual release is not open. You may try and break one of the connections at the cylinders. And bump the motor to get the fluid going. Don't take the connection all the way off....just enough that it will leak when the pump is run.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: T&T Johnson 90

Thanks OBJ. I'll try that tonight when I get home.I knew someone would have an idea of what to try next.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: T&T Johnson 90

Remove the fill screw, then apply a slight bit of pressurized air pressure to the reservoir (NOT 150 psi), just enought pressure to force the lube into the areas that contain a air block.... 7 to 10 psi should be plenty.<br /><br />After that fill the reservoir with the engine in a full tilt position.<br /><br />Replace the fill screw and check for proper PTT operation. Let us know what happens.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: T&T Johnson 90

Thanks a lot Joe! I really appreciate you guys and your knowledge. I know it gets said a lot but this really is a great site! I'll let you know when/if I get her operating correctly.<br /><br />Dave