T/T on 1978 70hp

[jbo_c]

Refurbing a boat with a 1978 70hp and would like to add tilt/trim to it. What's the easiest/least expensive way? I assume an after market jack plate with T/T?

Thanks.

Jbo

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: T/T on 1978 70hp

The after market would be cheaper, and parts' more readily availabe. You could find a original on Ebay at a cheaper price, but if there is anything wrong with, the price on those parts' can go out of sight. A a unit of that age! If there is'nt anything wrong, there will be soon.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: T/T on 1978 70hp

i believe 1978 was the first year of the "standard" PT&T unit that was used from then up into the late 1980s. Same or similar unit was used on the 3, 4 and 6 cylinder motors. The units came in 3 and 2 wire set-ups, so you'd need the related wiring for whichever trim motor your unit came with. THe other upside of having the later unit is parts are easier and cheaper to find...

 

[mikesea]

Re: T/T on 1978 70hp

you need to do a bit of research on using the omc tnt unit on your motor,the bracket assy.for you motor man not have the mounting holes or be cast to accept the omc style tnt system which is bolted using 3 bolts on each side of the bracket,but,you can probably buy the whole bracket assy ,with the tnt unit from a salvaged eng,then hopefully removing the old set up,the replacement will swap out by just removing the tilt tube ,one other problem may be the steering arm asssy,because it needs a place where the hydraulic tilt rams can push and the large ,center ram needs the holes to accept the pin for the center ram,look at your existing steering arm up inside and note if you see to large holes about 1 in in diameter with a space of about 2 inches,if not you will need to change the steering arm assy and bracket asy,which is bit involved likely requiring powerhead removal, there are many companies that make units that first bolt to the existing eng mounting holes in the boat,then engine bolts to the unit,i think a company called cmc makes one,i have installed a few yrs back and customers were happy,cost is about 500 bucks

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: T/T on 1978 70hp

The 1978 was the first year where the hydraulic tilt assist uses the same bolt and pin arrangement as the power trim unit - hence the easy swap around. No need to remove the tilt tube, either, as the unit should slide right into place once the tilt assist assembly is removed. The swivel bracket ought to have two holes where the tilt ram bolt/pads would go as well...

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: T/T on 1978 70hp

Got the factory T&T unit off of Ebay for my 1978 Johnson 70hp & would never boat again without one. As others have said 1978 is the 1st year that used the T&T unit that installs between the mounting brackets in place of the tilt assist shock & this standard unit was used up until about 1996 when the Fast Strike unit then took over. The control relay box, cabling, sensor, and trim gauge can also be purchased off of Ebay. You'll need the sensor and a gauge if you want to reliably know where in the trim or tilt travel the motor is. Also, various T&T switches are also available including one that replaces the plastic handle on the top of the throttle/shift arm on the control box.

Installation requires only removing the tilt assist shock assembly & loosening the port side mounting bracket in order to slide in the T&T unit. The mounts for the sensor are already on the port side mounting bracket, but you'll need to drill and tap the mounting holes which are already marked by dimples in the casting.

Warning, this installation is not for the unskilled or novice. Also, the motor needs to be very securely held in the tilted up position during installation.

-- Jeff