1988 Johnson 90hp V4 - Power Tilt n Trim stuck up

[samo_ott]

So it happened today. The PTT motor has been making some odd noises recently but today it stuck all the way up and does not move. The PTT motor still makes noises when trying to go up or down, but nothing happens. This is my first PTT. Is it the motor? Blown seals? ideas, comments? Thx. And btw, if it is the motor how the heck do you get it off, the inside screw can barely been seen let alone accessed?

 

[emdsapmgr]

If the motor is making noises, likely it is running. Start by checking the oil level in the reservoir. Fill it to the bottom of the fill hole, put the plug back in and cycle the trim a few times. Then recheck the oil level. Add more oil if necessary, and then cycle the trim again. Repeat till the oil level stays full. This process will self-bleed any air out of the system. If it still will not move, you can use the manual release screw on the side of the unit to get the unit to lower. Check the factory parts list to see the location of that screw-usually found in a special cast hole midway down the starboard transom bracket. Don't unscrew it completely-maybe 3/4 of a turn. That should get you started. Let us know what happens.

 

[samo_ott]

Can the oil level all of a sudden not be enough as I've seen no signs of a leak and it's on the trailer in the driveway.Is the the fill hole the large nickel sized plug on the starboard side vertical cylinder? And what type of oil do I use? And do I really want to lower it down as it's easier to work on is the up position? Thx for your help.

 

[AEROCOOK]

There are a few YouTube videos that explain the procedure.
I hope you can get it sorted out but if not, there are lots of T and T systems for sale on kijiji. I know of one in Innisfil (Barrie) that you can get for $100.00.

 

[Fed]

If your tilt tube is a bit sticky you may have to hold the down button in until the trim rams fully retract before the tilt ram starts to operate.

 

[emdsapmgr]

You need it in the up position so that you can check the fluid level. Yes, that's the fill screw. Trim units can lead oil and you'd probably never know it. All the water spraying around when the boat's on plane will probably wash any leakage off before you get the boat back on the trailer. Check it visually.

 

[175se]

Also if your going to work on the unit, USE THE LOCK it saves fingers.

 

[samo_ott]

Ok, here's the update.I used the manual release screw on the side to lower it down. It then raised on it's own but would still not go down. I opened up the fill port on the reservoir and oil ran out. I lower the front to below level and opened it again and more oil came out. A very thin red/pink oil. So I let it run out until it stopped. Not too much came out. But still no change. I can lower in manually and it will go up hydraulically but it still will not go down on its own. Any more ideas to try? Thx.

 

[samo_ott]

No other ideas? I'm at a loss and was hoping to get it back in the water before the river freezes up!

 

[AEROCOOK]

Referring back to your original post, can you describe the "noise" that the motor is making while the switch is in the down position?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Are you working from a genuine factory service manual? They have some good troubleshooting tips. Including color flow diagrams and depictions of the valves inside the unit.