1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

[superharmonix]

I have read in many other threads that if I hear the trim and tilt motor running but the outboard is not going up or down, it's a hydraulic fluid issue most likely. This is my problem. I can hear the motor running, but the engine will not move up or down.

To complicate it, I think I might have a broken the "up" switch on the control stick. It has always worked fine, but I think I pushed it in too far or something when the tilt problem came about. Now only the "down" makes noise. I have another switch for the T N T on thew bow, and again, I hear noise when toggling both up and down.

My questions are:
1) does the first part sound like a hydraulic fluid issue?
2) is there a fix for the button on the stick other than replacing the whole control box?

thanks! I am only a year in to boating, but I love it, and love this valuable resource we have in iboats.com!

 

[boobie]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

1. It just may be low on fluid or the worst senerio the coupler on the t/t mtr may be broken. Check your fluid first. 2. You can replace just the switch by taking the throttle arm off of the control box. Would highly recommend getting an OEM service manual. Not Seloc or Clymer.

 

[superharmonix]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

hey boobie- I know its month over a month, but I just wanted to tell you- I found an OEM serice manual on eBay and it is AWESOME! Thank you so much for getting me off on the right track! I have found a new passion: boating, and the tinkering forever involved!
I had a guy tell me the soelnoid may be out, but since the bow wswitch works in both directions, I would believe the soelnoid(which should be for both switches) is fine. (plus when I pushed it in too far is when it stopped working on the control arm)

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

Loosen manual release valve 2 turns only.
Lift engine to maximum height and lock it there.
Tighten manual release valve.
Fill reservoir to overflowing, reinstall fill/seal screw.
If still no movement, put a rag over the reservoir fill hole as a makeshift seal. then apply 7 to 12 psi of air to the reservoir. THis will force the PTT fluid down into the area under the oil pump.
That should do it. Let us know how you make out.

 

[superharmonix]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

Loosen manual release valve 2 turns only.
Lift engine to maximum height and lock it there.
Tighten manual release valve.
Fill reservoir to overflowing, reinstall fill/seal screw.
If still no movement, put a rag over the reservoir fill hole as a makeshift seal. then apply 7 to 12 psi of air to the reservoir. THis will force the PTT fluid down into the area under the oil pump.
That should do it. Let us know how you make out.

Thanks! I do have a question, though. that motor weighs over 300lbs. Do you think I can pull this off by myself, or will I need to recruit help?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

No need to remove the engine. When I say to lift the engine to maximum height.... that means to manually tilt the engine to its maximum height.

 

[superharmonix]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

Oh I knew what you meant, just unsure of how much weight it will be to tilt it is all- one person job or two? when i asked i fyou think I can pull this off I meant lifting(tilting)...

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

No problem to tilt that engine manually, unless you have a serious condition that prevents lifting.

 

[superharmonix]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

Thank you Joe. No probs there, thankfully! I will do as told above! I am curious, however, when you say tilt it up as far as it will do and lock it there, do you mean push the swivel bracket up?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

Your last post is confusing. The engine is attached directly to the swivel bracket. When you tilt the engine, the swivel bracket comes up with it.

Tilt the engine up to ite full extreme up position.... such as it would be if you were beaching the boat way up on a sandy beach to have a picnic.

With no fluid or not enough fluid in the PTT unit, it will not stay up by itself..... use the swing down trailering lock to keep it up there.

 

[superharmonix]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

thanks Joe- I did not know that about the swivel...
What is the "swing down trailering lock"? That's what I am confused about- how to keep it in the up position. I am pretty sure lac of fluid is the problem, so I will need to know what/where that lock is. I did not see it in my manual.. Thanks again, Joe! MUCH appreciated!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

Trailering Lock is # 65

 

[superharmonix]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

OK got it. that thing is what I thought was called the "swivel bracket"..

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

The swivel bracket is number one (#1).

 

[superharmonix]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

Well that certainly makes alot more sense! Thanks a bunch!

 

[RRitt]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

i think 1978 85HP trim is the saddle bracket, twin ram system with either prestolite or calco pump. 1978 also had the option of tilt only? which is a single hydraulic ram mounted up underneath the engine like a shock absorber.

If so, then you can top off fluid with the engine in any position.
remove screw from side of oil reservoir (under trim motor) and fill.
maybe that was your problem?
it is usually easier to have someone run the switch while you assist the lifting.
once it is all the way up block it in place. a 2x4 works if you have nothing else.
run to NAPA and buy a handful of plugs.
take the hose loose from pump that leads to the bottom of cyclinders
plug up hose.
remove blocks
if engine stays in place then your rams are good and you pump is busted
if engine drops then rams need rebuilding and pump remains unknown

 

[superharmonix]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

Great tip! Thanks a bunch! Here's a couple pics of my setup:

 

[RRitt]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

nvm, forget everything I said.
It's the three ram like Boobie and Joe were describing.

 

[superharmonix]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

Thanks RRitt! Thank the lord for PICTURES!

 

[low93bowtie]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson (Javelin) Trim N' Tilt issue

Loosen manual release valve 2 turns only.
Lift engine to maximum height and lock it there.
Tighten manual release valve.
Fill reservoir to overflowing, reinstall fill/seal screw.
If still no movement, put a rag over the reservoir fill hole as a makeshift seal. then apply 7 to 12 psi of air to the reservoir. THis will force the PTT fluid down into the area under the oil pump.
That should do it. Let us know how you make out.

Where is the "Manual Release Valve"?