1973 Mercury 85 Hp Ram testing

[Jimmyz123_]

I just removed the Rams from my mounting bracket and wanted to know if there was a way to test them to see if they are any good. The motor hasn't been run in years, but everything else is checking out to be O.K. I think the Power tilt/trim pump has been removed so obviously that won't work. How can I test the Rams with out the pump. The Rams do not have any connection points for Hoses. What can I do. I eventually want the power tilt\trim, but for now can deal with manually lowering and raising the motor.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />James

 

[erniex]

Re: 1973 Mercury 85 Hp Ram testing

Are they rams or just the shock absorbers that come on non-t&t motors? T&T hydraulic cylinders would certainly have hose connections for the hyd. hoses.

 

[Jimmyz123_]

Re: 1973 Mercury 85 Hp Ram testing

They are the shocks. There is a switch on the dash that has an up and down option, but the wires were cut years ago. I got the boat and the motor for $200 so I figure I am ahead of the game at this point. I think the shocks are frozen. I could not budge the rods at all.

 

[Jimmyz123_]

Re: 1973 Mercury 85 Hp Ram testing

So are these just shocks and can replaced easily or do they even have to be on the motor bracket?

 

[erniex]

Re: 1973 Mercury 85 Hp Ram testing

The shocks or dampers are there to keep the motor in the down position when running as the drag from the water will just push the engine up. They also help to keep it from free dropping when lowered manually from the up trailering position. I would think without them the motor would not stay down in the water when running at speed. So, yes you need them. They just bolt off and on and should not be hard to replace if you can get the bolts out.

 

[Jimmyz123_]

Re: 1973 Mercury 85 Hp Ram testing

Is there a way to test them to see if they are still good or not? I would like to find out before I bought some new ones.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: 1973 Mercury 85 Hp Ram testing

Just soak them in light oil for a couple days and then free them up ijn a vise. If they are rams they have hoses going to them - plain shocks don't.<br /><br />-W

 

[Jimmyz123_]

Re: 1973 Mercury 85 Hp Ram testing

They are just plain shocks, no hoses at all. Thank you for the advice, I will give this a try. By the way, I love your avitar. I too am a Star Wars nut.<br /><br />James