tilt/trim not holding

fseventy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 20, 2005
Messages
47
1975 Johnson 135 w/ tilt trim. I get it out on the water at WOT and trim the engine up, only to notice a couple of minutes later that it has dropped down a little. The trim gauge does not work, but I know it's dropping down. When I park it at home I trim it all the way down and I see no puddles of hyd fluid. Sounds like time to change the seals?
 

JeffPeiten

Cadet
Joined
Jul 10, 2005
Messages
11
Re: tilt/trim not holding

Any info on this problem? I'm having the same issues and someone told me it can be the valve body and I need to replace the tilt trim motor - 350 dollars! PLEASE HELP!!! <br /><br />1974 70 HP Johnson Outboard
 

Blueclaw

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 6, 2005
Messages
81
Re: tilt/trim not holding

probably not the seals. sounds more like air in the system. Some models have bleed screws, others you cycle all the way up then down four or five times burping the reservoir at the top of each cycle and adding fluid if needed.<br /><br />Air isn't your friend in hydrolic systems. Make sure you use the recommended fluid for your tilt and trim unit.<br /><br />good luck
 

JeffPeiten

Cadet
Joined
Jul 10, 2005
Messages
11
Re: tilt/trim not holding

Tried to bleed the system per manufacture recommendations, still droops down after a few minutes of being in the up position. I have been told that early versions of TILT TRIM were actually only TILT. They were not meant to hold a load while under way. My motor is a 1974 70 HP Johnson. Anyone have that type original tilt trim that can tell me if its just my unit doing the droop?<br /><br />JP
 

Blueclaw

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 6, 2005
Messages
81
Re: tilt/trim not holding

Jeff you have the same tilt and trim unit that is on the 1975 115, 135hp models?<br /><br />You should create a thread for your specific motor if the trim units aren't the same.<br /><br />Why would you have to replace the trim motor if it works? I could see one of the internal pressure valves not holding but if the motor runs both directions thats all it needs to do.
 

JeffPeiten

Cadet
Joined
Jul 10, 2005
Messages
11
Re: tilt/trim not holding

So my 1974 70HP Johnon Trim unit should hold in a set position while under a load/operating? Any idea where I might find a presure valve? Can it fixed or need to be completley replaced?<br /><br />JP
 
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