Hydrolic Posts/Rams on an O/B

[Kiwi Phil]

99 Johnson 115.<br />The 3 hydrolic rams that raise and lower the O/B have "scratches" in them, I guess caused by salt corrosion.<br />I can have them replaced etc,<br />I could have them built-up and machined, (rebuilt, I guess on a lathe). (there is a local hydrolic shop that will do this).<br />I searched this site for others who may have had similar problems to no avail. <br />What do you people recomment from experience.<br />What are the pros and cons.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[Goodoleboy]

Re: Hydrolic Posts/Rams on an O/B

Sending them to the shop for rechromeing is cheaper I would think.<br /><br />Mite do a search on Ebay to see what you can come up with. People are always parting out tilt and trims.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[OBJ]

Re: Hydrolic Posts/Rams on an O/B

Are they leaking Phillip or is this just preventive maint.?

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Hydrolic Posts/Rams on an O/B

OBJ<br />My worker is a mechanic, plus mad on outboards.<br />I had left the motor tilted up as far as it would go. A week later I noticed fluid on the concrete.<br />The worker says he believes it is from the overflow. <br />He then noticed the "scratches", and that as yet it is not leaking from any damage done by the scratches to the seals. He sanded any rough edges on the scratch.<br />I have used it for 3-4hrs since. Everything is fine.<br />So in answer to your question, as yet they are not leaking.<br />Worker says he is capable of rebuilding the unit properly: obviously I supply the parts. <br />So: do I replace them for "preventative maint" or just let them go.?<br />Hence my question above<br />Thanks OBJ.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Hydrolic Posts/Rams on an O/B

OBJ.<br />Thought I would run this idea past you - for your opinion.<br /><br />John (the worker) has just had another check of the rams etc.<br /><br />1. The resoviours for the Rams is full.<br />2. John described the scatches as pitting, quite severe, and probably been there for some time.<br />3. The seals have not/are not leaking.<br />4. John has sanded the pitted areas down with wet and dry.<br />5. John has suggested he fill and sand the pits with Selleys Aqua Knead-it, (Polymer Repair System)<br />6. John suggests I just drive it, and he keep an eye on it week to week. His thinking is - it is not causing any problems, and if it does when I am on the water, then I release some screw and mannually raise the motor for loading on trailer, then he repair it when home.<br /><br />What are your thoughts on this matter.<br /><br />As a side issue:<br /><br />1. Each of the small Rams are Aud$368 ea<br />2. The Long Ram is Aud$806<br />3. The seals kit is Aud$94<br />So over US$1,200 plus labour, but John does work for me.<br /><br />but.....<br />a 2nd hand one from the wreckers is Aud$990 (US$740) complete (in good condition).<br /><br />The boat was moored in salt water for 5yrs.<br /><br />Thanks OBJ<br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[OBJ]

Re: Hydrolic Posts/Rams on an O/B

Since the rams arent'critical to the engine running and you do have the manual release, let John have a go at it. But do make sure the rams are smooth and are finished off so no damage is done to the seals. Or....just let it go until the rams seals start to leak. The spot on the floor may have come from a leaky fitting...don't know of any over flow on these units.<br /><br />Good Luck and let us know what the outcome is.

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Hydrolic Posts/Rams on an O/B

Thank you for your opinion OBJ. I appreciate it.<br /><br />I have only been able to find the following site that quotes prices for parts in USA.<br />The price listed in the link below - is that a regular price, or can you actually get them cheaper still?<br />On my calculations, you guys get your parts for a lot less than we do here.<br /><br /> http://obparts.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_57 <br /><br />Makes me feel someone is dudding us over here.<br />Thanks again<br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[Solittle]

Re: Hydrolic Posts/Rams on an O/B

If it works and is not leaking I would leave them alone.

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Hydrolic Posts/Rams on an O/B

1. John did the Sellys Aqua-Knead-it 'thing' and it did not work. It just sanded out.<br />So lesson there for everyone.<br />2. We are just going to leave it as you both (OBJ and SoLittle) have suggested.<br /><br />If anyone has other sites I can look up for parts (with prices) I would be interested.<br /><br />Thanks for your help everyone, very much appreciated.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[COB070]

Re: Hydrolic Posts/Rams on an O/B

I find the following sites that I obtained from this forum useful, and they ship to Australia.<br /><br />ishopmarine or usboatsupply<br /><br />Sorry about the EDIT COBO..but we don't allow direct links to sites that are in compition with iboats. The site below to BRP is OK.<br /><br />The link to the Johnson site below comes in handy as well, to determine the correct part numbers.<br /><br /> http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/Accessories/Engine.Diagrams.htm <br /><br />My experience for what it is worth, is that unless you are buying very expensive items, it is easier to pay inflated prices locally for low cost items.