1979 140 Johnson Weird sound from the tilt action.

[James R]

Since I acquired this motor there has been a loud creaking sound when the tilt is operated. The T/T works fine and it is full of fluid. The tilt shaft is well lubricated and I have shot Kroil all over the upper spindle that secures the tilt cylinder. I thought it was from the wood in my engine carrier but it is the same now it is mounted on a boat.
Any thoughts as to what this noise may be.

 

[racerone]

The plastic bushings may be jammed with corrosion products.-----Between the bushing and the aluminum housing.---Salt water motor ??

 

[boobie]

Or it could be the upper pin on your trim cylinder.

 

[emdsapmgr]

When was the last time that the tilt tube was greased?

 

[rothfm]

The only way to really tell if things are free, if you can, remove the tilt ram pin/shaft...and ensure you can easily rotate the motor up/down. If it binds/noise, its in the tilt tube...If not, its in that Ram pin/bushings.

Just because its lubed doesnt mean its getting to where it needs to be. Like others said that corrosion builds and expands making things bind up. It was a big job on a saltwater motor but I took it all apart, including the steering swivel...to clean, replace bushings, and repack with marine grease. Tuff but well worth it.

 

[James R]

Hell of a job sorting my way through this new software format. What a pain. What was wrong with the old search page?
Thanks for the responses guys. The noise disappeared when the motor got into the water. Will check again once the motor has dried out.