'94 Johnson 150. Tilt/Trim problem

[Ebbtide94]

I have a '94 Johnson 150. The last 2 times I took her out the motor got stuck in the down position. The first time I was getting ready to pull it out of the water and it started working again. The second time I got it out of the water and was trying to figure everything out and it started working all of the sudden. I assumed it might be low on fluid.

Today I topped off the fluid level but it wasn't very low. I lowered and raised the motor a couple of times and it seemed to work fine. As I was doing this I noticed something that didn't seem right. With the motor up in the highest position I noticed that the 2 lower pistons started to retract. Is that normal? I would think they would only retract once the moter is resting on them?

During the last test I flipped the arm down that the motor rest on while transporting. I then pressed the down button the motor remained up but my lower pistons started to retract immediately. They retracted all the way in and now they will not come back out. Nor will the motor lift up off the support arm.

I noticed a black switch with a small lever. I assume this is may be what tells which piston to operate (the upper middle or 2 lower). Is my assumption correct and could this switch be bad casuing my problem? And yes by the way I do hear the electric motor running and keep in mind I am very new to boating.

 

[Ebbtide94]

Re: '94 Johnson 150. Tilt/Trim problem

After more troubleshooting......I don't think the problem is electrical because the motor seems to be running. If I press the down button it is putting pressure down on the piston. Pressing up does nothing to the piston. The motor sounds as it always has when tilting but it refuses to lift.

Please. Does anybody have any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jonesg]

Re: '94 Johnson 150. Tilt/Trim problem

First order the factory service book.
Great engine but you need the book.
www.outboardbooks.com

Running it down whilst on the trailer supports isn't a normal thing to do.

Anyway, so its stuck UP now?
You probably pulled a vacuum into the system.

On the port side bracket theres a manual release valve, its set deep in a hole through the bracket and you can't see it unless you get down there and peek.
It looks like a large standard screw.

Using an impact screwdriver or large flat blade with a wrench on the shaft, loosen it 2 turns ( no more). Its really tight so put your shoulder against the end of the screwdriver, I went to HD and bought a BIG screwdriver with a square shaft for this. Its 45inch lbs torque.

Hold the skeg and retract the support, see if it bleeds downward.
Cycle up and down by hand to bleed the system a few times, it can be done by hand , you just have to raise it slowly.
Top up the fluid, tighten the release valve and test it.

The elec switch with the lever is just for the guage, most of us don't bother.
I used that wiring to install temp gauges instead.
I have the same engine and yr.

 

[Ebbtide94]

Re: '94 Johnson 150. Tilt/Trim problem

Thanks JonesG. I found the release valve you were talking about. I found it earlier and removed it before I seen your post. However, after removing it the pressure was realeased and the motor will now lift up and down.

Removing the valve I did notice a couple of things and it has me wondering if that may not have been the source of my problem. The release valve or screw is kind of barrel shaped and has small holes that I believe are to allow for fluid to flow through. These holes are in line with the slit of the head of the screw. If you have slit horizontal the holes will be aligned with holes on the inside part of the cylinder. So I tightened the screw down to align these holes and everything seems to be working properly now. Before I messed with it the holes were not aligned. Am I on to something here or does it not matter if the holes are aligned?

 

[Ebbtide94]

Re: '94 Johnson 150. Tilt/Trim problem

Following your link and based on the model number it looks like I have an '82 Johnson 150. Good to know.

 

[jonesg]

Re: '94 Johnson 150. Tilt/Trim problem

If its a 94 it will have the optical ignition.

Theres supposed to be a circlip to retain the release valve and prevent removal, thats the reason for loosening just a couple turns.
It doesn't matter where the holes line up, the important thing is to get it tight enough.

Sometimes , if the engine is stored laying down or raised but not on the support bracket it can get locked up.
Anyway you got it sorted,

alls well that ends well.