1987 Johnson 120 trim/tilt wiring

[timmer66]

I just replaced a 1978 140hp with a 1987 120hp. The 1987 did not come with controls, but I was told the 1978 controls would work. Well, the engine runs great, but I can't get the tilt wired correctly. The older engine has three wires that connect to the switch - green, blue and black. The switch has three wires as well, green, blue and red. Now the new motor only has green and blue, and I can only get the tilt to work when I ground the green or the blue.

Currently, I have the green and blue connected between the motor and switch, and the red wire from the switch to the positive on the battery. I tried installing a direct ground from the battery, but that didn't do a thing.

What am I missing? I feel this should be very simple!

Thanks!

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1987 Johnson 120 trim/tilt wiring

You need the correct relay box or similar wiring. The newer two wire PT&T motor works by rreversing polarity on both wires, using 2 relays.

This link may help: http://www.arcomarine.com/xhtml/tech tilt trim motor tips.pdf

You can also wire it using a reversing solenoid. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=293479&highlight=reversing+solenoid

Please click the thumbnails.

 

[timmer66]

Re: 1987 Johnson 120 trim/tilt wiring

A-ha! Thank you - this makes much more sense now. I was trying to wire directly to the PTT motor. I did see the coupler marked C1 in the diagram, but didn't know what it was for. There are two wires clipped on mine as well - a green and a blue. I'm guessing I need to reconnect the pump to those and the wires from the control to the C1 coupler. I'll give that a try later today.

Thanks for the diagrams!
Tim