Engine Tilt on Johnson 8

[Chris]

I cannot seem to get my Johnson 8 hp outboard to tilt when I am sailing or on the mooring. The boat is new to me and the prvious owner was clueless. There are a number of levers, I have tried them all but cant get the engine to unlatch and tilt. I'm not sure what year the engine is but it has the gear shift in the front and an emergency stop button with a pull-out landyard. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[JOHN POPP , 1975 MARINER]

TILT JOHNSON 8

I AM NOT SURE WHAT YEAR YOUR MOTOR IS BUT, I HAD AN OLDER JOHNSON THAT WAS A PAIN TO TILT ALSO. ON THE ONE I HAD THERE WAS A LATCH THAT WOULD KEEP THE MOTOR FROM TILTING. IT IS HARD TO SEE WHEN THE MOTOR IS ON THE BOAT BUT LOOK AT THE BAR THAT THE MOTOR RESTS ON IN THE FULL DOWN POSITION AND ON THE INSIDE OF THE MOUNTING CASTING THERE SHOULD BE A LATCH THAT YOU CAN FLIP OUT OF THE WAY AND THE MOTOR WILL COME RIGHT UP. HOPE THIS HELPS.

 

[JackJ]

Another Possibility

I don't know about your Johnson, but I have a 9.8 Mercury and it has a linkage from the lower unit up to a latch at the engine pivot point. The linkage is supposed to lock the outboard down when you shift to reverse. On my boat I have the opposite of your problem. The mechanism on my boat doesn't usually lock (which makes for some fun moments when I need quick reverse)It is possible that your motor has a similar linkage that is stuck in the lock position. Check and see if there is any sort of rod leading up from the lower unit to the hinge area of your engine. Maybe you can disengage the lock by hand.Good luck!!

 

[Mike Whalen]

Titl/run lever

I have a 1980s model Johnson 9.9 on mine there is a small lever on the left (as you are looking at the engine facingaft)it has a small black plastic knob that says tilt on one side and run on the other. In the run position it WILL NOT tilt. It swings in an arc. Try both ways.Good luck,Mike

 

[Ed]

Lubrication

The tilt mechanisms usually have a grease fitting at the pivot point. It may or may not be a zerk type. The friction nut at the pivot point may be to tight.  Buy an owners manual or better yet a service manual. Available online or at a dealer.  Take the motor to a dealer & ask them to show you how to operate it.  The best thing you can do for your outboard is to learn how to maintain it. They are fairly simple once you get to know them. A manual is the best investment you can make for an outboard.  Try the forum at iboats.com for engine help & someone can tell you what year you have also.