Outboard Johnson tilt stuck down

[afragop]

1995 Johnson 115 tilt stuck in downward position. The motor was stuck about 6 inches raised and the electric motor sounds like it is trying to work but nothing happens. I then disconnected the battery and attempted to manually raise the motor by releasing the hydraulic pressure. I can still only lift the motor 6 inches manually. Any ideas?

 

[Joe Reeves]

I'm not familiar with the 1995 model, however if it is similar with the 1991 model.........

"Releasing the hydraulic pressure?"...... How?..... Are you backing out the manual release valve two full turns (no further) and you still can't manually lift the engine? If so, either something has gone vastly wrong hydraulically or the tilt/steering tube retaining nuts are too tight or that assembly is rusted tight.

Has any work been performed on that unit since it last functioned properly?