Johnson 73 Tilt and Trim stuck

[magialatina]

I have a Johnson 73 (85ESL73) that was abandoned for 7 or 8 years. Now the engine is running but the Tilt & Trim is stuck and nobody can move it. I don't even know where to start, I added DW40 but nothing moves. If I evantually want to install a power tilt and trim what model I have to look for?
pls help...

 

[oxbeast1210]

Re: Johnson 73 Tilt and Trim stuck

A Lot of the older tilt and trim systems are hard to find and quite pricey
I would recommend and after market cnc Tilt and trim i believe the model number PT130 holds up to 130 lbs just be cautious of the length of your cables and how the motor will be sitting on it.

Is it possible for you to provide pictures of what exactly is stuck it would make it a lot easier for us to help you out!
thanks

 

[RRitt]

Re: Johnson 73 Tilt and Trim stuck

i think on an 85 horse you can swap the shock dampener for a tilt ram. The exact same aluminum body was used during the 1970's by chrysler, evinrude, and johnson. So any 1972-1989 chrysler force johnson evinrude of similar size and shape should be a perfect fit. Then you can buy a brand new volvo AQ290 pump assy. ($170ish) that bolt onto transom in exact same fashion using the exact same factory original bolts as the original prestolite. Grab some CuNi tubing and a pair of brass tube nuts from a brake-quip dealer and bend up some oil tubes. You'll be out about $230 and have a good as new tilt.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Johnson 73 Tilt and Trim stuck

Your best bet is to find someone to repair your existing unit. Only pre-'78 units will fit your motor and they are tough to come by in good condition for less than $400. For that price you'd be better off with a CMC unit.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Johnson 73 Tilt and Trim stuck

Do you have a PT&T? That motor started life as manual tilt.

 

[DJ]

Re: Johnson 73 Tilt and Trim stuck

Your best bet is to find someone to repair your existing unit. Only pre-'78 units will fit your motor and they are tough to come by in good condition for less than $400. For that price you'd be better off with a CMC unit.

EZ is correct, as always. The older OMC systems (pre '78') were very complex and RARE. They worked well, when they were working. A bit slow but worked well.

BE CAREFUL, messing around with this system. The hydraulics can generate intense pressures that can seriously harm you.

I see parts and whole systems on ebay, all the time.

The motors and pumps rarely failed. Typically, the rams got stuck. It may be worth you removing them and talking them to a local hydraulic shop. There is nothing mysterious (boat exclusive) about the Rams. They are just two way hyd. rams.

BTW, that '73' is one of the best engines OMC ever built. Underated and bulletproof.

 

[boobie]

Re: Johnson 73 Tilt and Trim stuck

Is there actually a t/t unit on it now ? Or is it a manual tilt and just plain froze ?

 

[RRitt]

Re: Johnson 73 Tilt and Trim stuck

Is there actually a t/t unit on it now ? Or is it a manual tilt and just plain froze ?

yup, i think this question has bubbled up in nearly every post. Does your engine have two hydraulic piston assemblies mounted just outside each transom bracket? Does it have an electric pump bolted onto the starboard side of engine? If so then you have trim and tilt. Which is fairly uncommon on a '73

if you have the electric pump but only one smaller piston mounted up under the engine then you have power tilt. This is not meant to hold engine while prop is spinning. It is just to help you get on and off the trailer.

If you do not have an electric pump bolted to your starboard bracket then you just have the base engine with none of the optional lifting kits. You should find a shock dampener up under the engine. You can replace the shock with a standard prestolite ram to get tilt. 197x EJ power trim is expensive no matter what path you take and an aftermarket is probably your best bet. The used system retain such high prices and the risk of needing service even after buying one is significant. In the end, aftermarket is a safer bet. If you can find a non-saltwater original in the $200 range then maybe that would be better. But $400 with risk of $200+ rebuild? Nah.

 

[DJ]

Re: Johnson 73 Tilt and Trim stuck

Good points!

Two rams=Tilt and Trim

One ram equals-TILT only.

 

[dazk14]

Re: Johnson 73 Tilt and Trim stuck

Have you loosened the slot headed bypass relief on the pump?