Johnson 175 T&T hydraulic tilt arm rebuild?

[trxxx250r]

I have an engine chatter issue on decal.

In the garage I lifted the motor both when it was on the trim rams and when it was half way thru tilt range. When I lifted it I could see the tilt arm/ram slide out of the housing maybe 3/16 - 1/4 inch. That translates into approximately 1/2" of free play of the motor at the bottom of the T&T. Obviously this is what's allowing the motor to move away from the transom on decal and causing the chatter.

Here's the question - Is that kind of outward movement or play normal in these T&T units or is it worn and needs to be rebuilt? Or maybe just bled, however that would be accomplished?

The T&T is 1995 and I seriously doubt it's ever been touched since initial install on the boat. Also boat sat unused in direct AZ sun for at least 8 years.

Thanks to anyone who is knowledgeable in this area and can help. I don't want to tear into this thing and spend the money if it's not going to change anything. Other than the play the unit works fine and it doesn't leak.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Johnson 175 T&T hydraulic tilt arm rebuild?

Proper operation depends on the system being full of trim fluid. I'd pull the inspection plug on the side of the reservoir and check to see if the fluid is level with the bottom of the plug hole. If not, add fluid and replace the plug, then operate the trim 3-4 times up/down. Recheck the fluid level. You may need to add fluid a couple of times. The movement through the trim range self-bleeds the system.

 

[trxxx250r]

Re: Johnson 175 T&T hydraulic tilt arm rebuild?

I checked the fluid with the motor tilted all the way up and it started running out before I could get the cap off, so it's full. The fluid was bright red but didn't smell too good.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Johnson 175 T&T hydraulic tilt arm rebuild?

Trim fluid is typically that red color. It should be clear and red. If it's dark or smelly, it could be burned.