Motor Pulling to One Side - Any Advice?

Post by **JustinHoffman** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 6:26 pm

Hello All,

Have had this problem for a long time, and over the years have somehow accepted it, but after heading out yesterday (and feeling the pain in my arm!), I think it's time it got fixed.

I have a 1989 20HP Johnson tiller. While motoring, the outboard "pulls" to the right side. So, during operation, I have to "strong arm" it to keep it straight, causing for a sore arm after any extended trip. Unless it is going at it's slowest speed (and I take my arm off the throttle) it will stay in a straight line. Anything higher and it just swings over to the right side. Weird, as moving the motor left or right seems to have the same resistance and to the left doesn't feel any "slacker" than shifting it to the right...

I've searched for something to tighten, etc., but have come up empty handed thus far. Any advice? Simple fix?

Thanks in advance for any help...

Good Fishing,

Justin

Post by **plncrzy** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 6:34 pm

yeah... there's a very simple fix.... there is an adjustable "fin" (don't know what its called) right above the prop... usually all that's needed is a 1/2" socket to loosen the bolt that holds it, you adjust the fin in the direction to compensate the direction its pulling, re-tighten the bolt and away you go.... its that simple... I am sure that if you googled it... you could likely get lots of pictures of just how to do it.

Post by **moonshine** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 6:54 pm

exactly right, if its pulling left adjust the trim tab to the left

Post by **JustinHoffman** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 7:44 pm

Thanks, guys - much appreciated....

Just went outside and had a look at the motor. What I see is a lead-coloured fixture that sits horizontally on the right side on the plate directly above the prop. It is approximately 1" by 1/2" and has two bolts holding it from the underside. I assume this is it?

Cheers,

Justin

Post by **DropShotr** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 7:50 pm

Mark it before you start, this will give you a reference or starting point. Some times when you try to loosen off the bolt it "cracks" loose and things move that you don't want to move.

Small adjustments are big adjustments in that department.

Good luck,
DS

Post by **Terry_F** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 8:36 pm

JustinHoffman wrote:Thanks, guys - much appreciated....

Just went outside and had a look at the motor. What I see is a lead-coloured fixture that sits horizontally on the right side on the plate directly above the prop. It is approximately 1" by 1/2" and has two bolts holding it from the underside. I assume this is it?

Cheers,

Justin

Justin
You have been given great advice here, also fyi that lead coloured piece is a sacrificial anode to reduce corrosion as well as a trim tab.
http://gulffishing.com/tips_anode.html

Post by **JustinHoffman** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 8:58 pm

Thanks, Terry - had a feeling that it was an anode protector of some sort, but since it didn't have a "keel" on it, had no idea it had anything to do with steering and trim...since it is only raised approx. 1/2 inch.

Will let you know how I make out.

Thanks again, all...

Cheers,

Justin

Post by **plncrzy** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 6:42 am

JustinHoffman wrote: but since it didn't have a "keel" on it, had no idea it had anything to do with steering and trim...since it is only raised approx. 1/2 inch.
Justin

UHH... NO KEEL?

does it look like it was ground down? ... there should be a keel on this, that's what trims the motor so that you don't get "pull"

Post by **Terry_F** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:32 am

Justin

I suspect that what you have on your motor is an anode only and not a trim tab at all.
On some outboards this is combined.

The anode / trim tab is normally circular, with a fin and a single bolt allowing it to be rotated to achieve the trim or direct the water flow from the prop.
An anode only is usually a rectangular shape with two bolts, it is oftem machined to have fins to increase the surface area, but may not be located anywhere near the prop.
You should still have a device to adjust or trim the motor though.
If you can give us make and model number I can try and look something up for you.

Post by **spinner** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 10:39 am

part # 39 is what you are looking for if it's adjustable on your motor

http://www.iboats.com/Johnson-20-25-30- ... _id.272925

Post by **Wallyboss** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 3:32 pm

Is your motor pulling when you are on plane?? I was told that if it is, it is not that little fin over the prop. cause that fin doesn't touch the water when you are on plane. The way I fixed the pulling on mine was that I got the motor installed at the right height. Cavitation plate level with bottom of the boat. Now when I am trimmed out I can let go the steering and it'll stay in a straight line.

Post by **cprince** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 3:35 pm

Wallyboss wrote:Is your motor pulling when you are on plane?? I was told that if you are it is not that little fin over the prop. cause that fin doesn't touch the water when you are on plane. The way I fixed the pulling on mine was that I got the motor installed at the right height. Cavitation plate level with bottom of the boat.

Circle gets a square!

Ding ding ding... Walleye Boss is the Winnah!

Craig

Post by **CNs** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 3:53 pm

I'll take Charo to Block

Post by **cprince** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 4:39 pm

ChampionNorm wrote:I'll take Charo to Block

Paul Lynde for the win!

(Thanks Norm, it's nice when someone catches my little oddities!)

Craig