1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

[Tracker Jim]

I took my 1989 Johnson out of storage today after about 5 months and the tilt/trim would not work. The motor runs with the switch in either the up or down position, but it will not go up by itself. I can lift it with the tilt/trim motor running and it will go down by itself when I push the down switch. There is a little oil around the top o-ring and I think it may be low on fluid, but I cannot find a fill hole. I have looked all over the hydraulic side for the filler plug. I am attaching a photo of the unit and a photo of a parts diagram that shows the filler plug (clouded). Can anyone help me?

 

[OutOfControl]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

Tracker,

Not familiar with your specific unit, but the part you have "clouded" does appear to be the fill plug according to the BRP diagram.
If you raise the motor up without support will it lower either quickly or slowly on its own and does it drop all the way down or only partially? This may indicate a low fluid or leaking seal problem.

 

[Tracker Jim]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

Thanks for getting back to me. When the motor is up, it stays up without support. Still can't find a filler plug.

 

[Tracker Jim]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

I ran the trim down and up again. When running down, it sounds normal and goes down normally. When running it up, it won't go up unless I lift very hard and it sounds differently. It kind of grates at first and then sounds like it is spinning with no load. Could the motor be bad?

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

Could the motor be bad?

Doubtful, if the motor runs good in one direction there's no reason it won't run good in the other. It sounds like you're on the right track starting with low fluid.

As far as the fill plug that's MIA, hmmmmm. Hopefully someone with the same engine can chime in.

 

[OutOfControl]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

Tracker,

I found this TnT unit on e-bay, listing says it fits 40-50hp 1990-2006. Although it says it is not intended for your motor, I am posting the link because the model # matches the one from the BRP site. Also look at the photo, you will notice what appears to be a fill plug located just below where the motor mounts to the reservoir. This also is consistent with the diagram you posted and the one on BRP's site.
Could it possibly be located on the other side of your unit against the bracket or transom and require removal to service?

ps; here is a link to the full listing on ebay

 

[boobie]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

Could it be that somebody put the t/t unit in bass ackwards ?

 

[Tracker Jim]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

Thanks everyone. I found the fill plug. It is on the port side between the unit and the bracket and can't be removed without removing the unit because there is only about 1/4 inch clearance from the port bracket. The top mountung rod comes out OK, but the bottom bolt won't budge. Any suggestions on removing it. I have soaked it with WD40 and pounded on it with no luck.

Sure would like to go fishing!

 

[OutOfControl]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

Tracker,
You said you removed or could remove the top rod, does this allow you to tilt the unit away from the transom and access the fill plug?
If so, you could extend the piston with the motor and add fluid if low. You'll need to bleed the system by putting it back together and cycling the unit up and down, refill and repeat a few times.
If you have to remove the unit I would suggest trying to reassemble with the fill plug facing outwards if at all possible.
My J150 TnT had bushings with retaining rings at either end of the lower mounting rod.

 

[Tracker Jim]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

I did tilt the unit away from the transom and loosened the filler plug. Fluid began coming out. In order to access the plug, the unit is practically horizontal, so I can't fill it. In doing this I noticed a substantial amount of fluid coming out of the seal on top at the piston rod. Bottom line-it is at DeKalb Marine for a while. Guess I'l need to take out a loan.

Thanks again to all.

Fishing will have to wait!

 

[OutOfControl]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

Tracker,
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
That unit on e-bay that I linked to earlier appears to be a match for your motor and at what seems to be a good price. I paid almost double that to replace the one one on my J150.

 

[Tracker Jim]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

Thanks, OutOfControl,
I checked it out and it looks exactly like mine. I hope to have mine repaired for a lot less, though.

 

[valkie]

Re: 1989 Johnson 50hp tilt/trim problems

I have a 40 HP Evinrude with a very bsimilar looking unit.

Mine was leaking from the top seal so I decided to have a look.

I could get the lower pin out, but there cis no way on earth I can even get the top pin to come out after several hours of beating the damn thing with a hammer and punch (Any ideas wiuld be welcome.

I dismantled the unit in situ, removing the whole thing and leaving the piston in the motor.

The real question I have is Now that I have replaced the leaking seals, how do I refill the unit?

Please help, summer is coming and I need to get her in the water.