1988 Merc 20hp, stuck down

[ugmold]

Hey Folks,

Just got my 1988 20 hp out of the basement and put it on my Boston Whaler, but I can't seem to release the tilt to bring the engine up?

The chrome lever doesn't budge although all looks ok, not corroded.

Pictures attached.

-ugmold

 

[ugmold]

Re: 1988 Merc 20hp, stuck down

I just wanted to add as a disclaimer in case I was doing something dumb is that I'm new to the engine, only tried it once when I demo'd on the boat.

Also I tried rocking it as I was trying to get the silver handle to do something.

Doesn't anyone have a suggestion?

Thanks,
-ugmold

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: 1988 Merc 20hp, stuck down

The motor has to be in forward gear to tilt up. Neutral or reverse locks it in the down position. To shift into reverse, the motor must be running, or you at least should turn the prop by hand as you shift it. Shifting to forward or neutral with it not running is OK.

 

[ugmold]

Re: 1988 Merc 20hp, stuck down

Thanks for the reply Bill. I have owned OMC stuff in the past, this is my first Merc. I tried your advice, but nothing seemed to happen.

Does it pivot at the large bolts with rubber end caps, or the smaller bolts below, closer to the drive shaft?

I took off the bolt/nut that holds the chrome tab, wish I didn't do that, hard to get back in.

I can take more picts (I took it off the boat) if you think it would help.

I appreciate your help.

-ugmold

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: 1988 Merc 20hp, stuck down

Try pulling out the silver tilt pin (visible in your pics, it goes in one of the series of holes in the tilt housing there) and then see if it tilts up. Then look at where it contacts the pin when down--should be a couple of "fingers" that hold on to the pin when it's not in forward gear. These should move up and down when the transmission is shifted. They can get stuck, maybe that's your problem. If so, try some lubricant on them, like PB Blaster.

 

[ugmold]

Re: 1988 Merc 20hp, stuck down

I pulled that pin right away to no avail. Maybe a couple more pics would help. Today My Toyota truck had a wheel "seize" possibly from lauching the boat yesterday....jeez, when it rains, .....

 

[ugmold]

Re: 1988 Merc 20hp, stuck down

Success!
Or at least I found out what it was. The left side of the large hollow pivot bolt was stuck. The right was free, I noticed when I tapped with the rubber hammer. I heated both ends up and tapped back in forth with the rubber hammer and it got freer and freer.

Too bad the grease joints don't seem to take anything, I squirted Sea Mist deep creep in there, maybe it will loosen up the old grease.

Thanks for the help Bob!

Also fixed my Trucks stuck brake today, I'm the Man!