1996 Johnson 88 spl (tilt/trim issues)

topwaterpete

Recruit
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
4
I purchased this motor used / not running with a bad piston. I have completely overhalled the entire motor (bored .030 over pistons/rings, water pump, thermostats, etc). I am in the process of putting it all back together now. I have just bolted the transom mount to my stand and am ready to drop the power head on same. I figued I went this far so now's the time to inspect the tilt/trim unit. I have the service manual but it it very vague about the tilt / trim unit other than explaining how to release the manual override screw. I have done that and am able to manually move the unit (tilt rod) up and down all the way to the two (trim) rods. Once I hit the rods they won't move. Initially when I put it on the stand and maneuvered the unit up and down, the two trim rods stayed retracted on their own. I have opened the reservoir and topped off same and worked it back and forth several times to purge the system. At some point I did not notice they extended and now won't go back in. Should they? I have no electronics hooked up at this time. I did run leads to the trim motor to see if it works which it did. I need the rods completely retracted so I can drop the powerhead on at a 90 degree. Any help would be useful!!! Thanks Pete.........
 

wht07se

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
34
Re: 1996 Johnson 88 spl (tilt/trim issues)

I purchased this motor used / not running with a bad piston. I have completely overhalled the entire motor (bored .030 over pistons/rings, water pump, thermostats, etc). I am in the process of putting it all back together now. I have just bolted the transom mount to my stand and am ready to drop the power head on same. I figued I went this far so now's the time to inspect the tilt/trim unit. I have the service manual but it it very vague about the tilt / trim unit other than explaining how to release the manual override screw. I have done that and am able to manually move the unit (tilt rod) up and down all the way to the two (trim) rods. Once I hit the rods they won't move. Initially when I put it on the stand and maneuvered the unit up and down, the two trim rods stayed retracted on their own. I have opened the reservoir and topped off same and worked it back and forth several times to purge the system. At some point I did not notice they extended and now won't go back in. Should they? I have no electronics hooked up at this time. I did run leads to the trim motor to see if it works which it did. I need the rods completely retracted so I can drop the powerhead on at a 90 degree. Any help would be useful!!! Thanks Pete.........

Ever find out how to get the trim rods to completely go back inside the housing? Having a similar issue.
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: 1996 Johnson 88 spl (tilt/trim issues)

Run the tilt ram down to where it contacts the two trim rams. As the tilt ram continues to move downward, it will compress the two trim rams.
 
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