1986 Johnson 4HP- Should it have both shallow drive AND a tilt mech?

[The Famous Grouse]

Folks, I'll try to explain this in words, but I can post pictures if that would help.

I just bought a 4 HP 1986 Johnson and here's my problem. It doesn't seem to have a mechanism that locks the motor in the "fully tilted" position. The mechanism it does have tilts the motor up only a little way, but the skeg still drags on the surface of the water.

My other 1986 25 HP Johnson has a similar mechanism referred to as a "shallow water drive" stand. This mechanism on the 25 HP tilts the motor up enough to allow you still run with the prop in the water, obviously for shallow water use. In ADDITION it also has a separate "full tilt lock" mechanism that keeps the motor locked in the fully tilted position.

Is there supposed to be a similar full tilt mechanism on my 4 HP? Or did they not have such a thing?

Hope this is clear, but if not I can post pics. Thanks.

Grouse

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 1986 Johnson 4HP- Should it have both shallow drive AND a tilt mech?

The standard version (360? swivel steering) has a simple tilt mecahnism #31 in THIS DIAGRAM
#35 is the reverse lock
There is a friction washer in the tilt #23 which will give you some limited support in the tilted position if the tilt bolt #22 is tightened.

The deluxe version ( FNR gears) has little more. SEE HERE
It has an adjustable tilt pin #23
A reverse locking system #26 through #30 which can be locked or released via knob #66.
A shallow water drive support #65
It still does not have any tilt support but the conical friction washer #21 will give some support in the tilted position if the tilt bolt #25 is tightened a little.


What you see is what you have!

 

[Rick.]

Re: 1986 Johnson 4HP- Should it have both shallow drive AND a tilt mech?

There are two little nubs on the transom mounting bracket that prevent the motor from being tilted all the way to horizontal. I have a 71 and it has always tilted to horizontal to the transom. Just recently I was in my buddies boat and his 73 was dragging on the water. After looking at his then home to mine I noticed those little nubs are broken off on mine either by accident or on purpose. Without them you'll be able to get lots more tilt on it. There is no lock, just a friction fit but mine is pretty snug and has never dropped down on it's own. Due to the reverse lock I have to tilt it a little then turn the engine 90 degrees and then tilt it the rest of the way. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1986 Johnson 4HP- Should it have both shallow drive AND a tilt mech?

My '89ish 4HP Deluxe does not appear to have a way to lock it in the tilted up position.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: 1986 Johnson 4HP- Should it have both shallow drive AND a tilt mech?

Great responses, many thanks.

I have the Deluxe version (made in Belgium, of all places) and it looks like it's not missing anything, then. According to the diagrams posted by Vic, I'm not missing anything.

Ezmobee, it sounds like our motors are exactly the same, so I have to say it looks like they used the shallow drive as the only way to lock the motor in the "tilted" position.

It just seemed odd to me, given that other motors of the same age have the dual mechanisim like I have on my 25 HP so they can both be run on shallow drive and then tilted all the way up and locked.

Oh well. Thanks for the help.

Grouse

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1986 Johnson 4HP- Should it have both shallow drive AND a tilt mech?

I agree and also find it kind of annoying. Fantastic little motor otherwise though. I also don't like how the throttle resets if you take your hand off the tiller.

 

[Rick.]

Re: 1986 Johnson 4HP- Should it have both shallow drive AND a tilt mech?

Hey. Forget about the 4 HP. I just noticed your handle. That is one of my favorites and also one of the cheaper offerings in my neck of the woods (the Alberta Highlands, High River). If I'd noticed your handle first I'd have offered to come and fix it for you!! LOL Rick.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: 1986 Johnson 4HP- Should it have both shallow drive AND a tilt mech?

Hey. Forget about the 4 HP. I just noticed your handle. That is one of my favorites and also one of the cheaper offerings in my neck of the woods (the Alberta Highlands, High River). If I'd noticed your handle first I'd have offered to come and fix it for you!! LOL Rick.

Well, I've added a picture of me as well. Will you come and fix it now?

I remain your faithful servant.

Grouse