Need help with X-Dim. Setup

[Boilermaker]

I tried to raise the X dimension on my 1978 Johnson 115 with Tilt & Trim. I was using a hydraulic floor jack with a block of wood under the skeg. I had the upper bolts out and the lower bolts loose, and every time I tried to raise the engine, the tilt & trim just kicked out! I have read about guys here using jacks to raise the engine>>>so what am I doing wrong???<br /><br />ALSO>>>what is the best way to seal the bolts after the adjustment??? HOW the heck do you get a good seal on the lower bolts (they are below the waterline). I was trying to get 3M 4000 sealer in around the bolt, but couldn't get around the bolt thru the engine bracket!<br />HELP!!!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Need help with X-Dim. Setup

The engine actually balances with it trimmed out some, maybe 15-20 degs.<br />when you do get it raised up and the top bolts back in, pull each bottom bolt one at a time, seal, install and tighten.<br />You "may" have to lower the toungue, block the lower, then raise the trailer to lower the transom out from under the engine...needless to say, it's best to have a helper there too..

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: Need help with X-Dim. Setup

I pulled the bolts out>>>Cleaned them with a wire brush, then Acetone, put 3-M 4000 sealer on the shoulder of the bolts & into the bolt hole from the inside>>>installed the bolt, and tried to use the small applicator tip you get with the small tube of sealer. But It still didn't seem like I have a good seal on the OUTSIDE of the bolt at the transome.I could see a bit of the bolt hole in the fiberglass behind the engine bracket??? <br /> Maybe it would be better to rent an engine hoist "cherrypicker type", and remove the engine away from the transome. Then install the lower bolts and seal before swinging the engine back in place.>>>OR am I just getting to nit picky???

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Need help with X-Dim. Setup

Or try this:<br /><br />Tie a line from the lower unit, right under your boat, and secure it to the trailer winch post. Tighten it and the trim/tilt will not move. <br /><br />More important, it will not be put under strain when you jack the motor. Works every time, and makes the raising process easy because the strain due to leverage on the mounting bolts is not there anymore.<br /><br />Sealing the lower bolts? <br />When you've got the motor where you want it, tighten the top bolts (which are easily sealed, as you've found out), then remove the lower bolts, which will be a pig in some cases because of dried sealer. Force new sealer into the lower bolt holes and put the bolts back in and tighten them.

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: Need help with X-Dim. Setup

Thanks Guys!!!!<br />Maybe I just didn't put enough sealer into the bolt holes before replacing the bolts.>>> BUT it just seemed to push all the sealer out on the tip of the bolt and not leave enough around the water side of the bolt hole edge???? There is not enough clearence to get the sealer all around the bolt thru the bracket??? <br />I had to replace the transome 2 years ago & don't want to ruin it!