140 Johnson question-trim unit

wpvboat · #1 02-28-2005, 12:31 PM

My trim unit is giving me problems AGAIN. I am thinking about taking it off. Does anyone know how hard it is to pull a 140 Johnson up by hand from inside the boat? I am 30 years old and pretty strong but I don't know. I keep the boat in the water so I need to pull it up when not in use. I think being in the saltwater all the time is my problem; the whole trim unit sits in the water and gets barnacles and other junk on it.

chesapeake724 · #2 02-28-2005, 12:53 PM

I wouldn't do it. You can probably pull it up by hand. BUT, aside from raising the motor, the trim and tilt "holds" the motor in place. With no hydraulic pressure, the motor is free to kick up and down. Throw it into reverse and see what happens. The motor could pull itself up, the prop breaks free of the water spins you into a $2k bill for a rebuild. I had an '88 Johnson and the starboard pump looked like it'd rust off any second, but it still worked. How far apart are were your repairs? Could be different issues...could be the mechanic...etc

Not to question the shop's work. I'm just speaking from experience. I've had stuff "repaired", only to have the problem come back in short order. They do something different and that fixes it. Meanwhile, I'm wondering why the F they didn't fix it right the first time.

wpvboat · #3 02-28-2005, 01:23 PM

The first time I had it replaced was when I hit something after Isabel going 20kts. *Gave me a good jerk and the motor wouldn't come up. *The hydrolic arm was bent! *Cost me $200. *Now it is slow or non-functional depending on the day. *I can see slow dripping oil from the bottom. *I was going to put more oil in it but I can't seem to get the screw out. *AM I TRYING THE RIGHT SCREW? It is the big one on the cylinder right?

chumbucket · #4 02-28-2005, 04:06 PM

If it's leaking oil, you've probably got a seal that needs replacing. You fill the units in the pump resevoir, not the cylinder. Fill the resevoir, Re-install the plug and work it up and down, then repeat until full.

macojoe · #5 02-28-2005, 05:18 PM

I guess the real question is, Were is it leaking from?? Is it a O ring? crack ? is it bent again?

You need to find this out first, then you will be able to address the problem!
And make sure the oil is getting out and the water isn't getting in!!

reelapeelin · #6 03-01-2005, 09:22 AM

Sounds like the mechanic didn't make a COMPLETE repair... ;)