tilt trim

my tilt is not working i have a 87 johnson 140VRO the battery guage moves but there is no sound or movement. i dont know much about outboards so if you can explain it that would be great.
 
Several things that are prone to problems depending on your setup.
Battery connections, ground connections, relays sticking, pump motor brushes. I know I've left out a few.
Start first assuming the connections are good. As you manipulate the tilt, tap the relays (not softly but not violently) with the handle end of a screwdriver. They are usually located at the rear center of the engine under a protective cover. Some units are located in an auxiliary box located somewhere between the battery and engine.
No change? Whack the pump motor strongly but not violently the same way. See if something go's on.
What these two test does is to see if there is ash deposits on the relays or lots of carbon piled on the brushes of the pump motor.
The relay problem is usually short lived and will correct itself with regular use for 9 months to a year. The pump motor problem usually needs cleaning and/or new brushes.

Now there can also be a problem with the tilt switch at the controls.
You got auxiliary tilt at the engine or just at the control box?

Sorry, but this can easily turn into a 5 fold diagnosis.
 
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