Broken latch

[dwh4784]

Hi all, first post on this forum. I just picked up an 87 Bayliner bass boat with the 85hp Force from my dad. He's had it for at least 15 years so I'm more than familiar with it. I had it out this last weekend and encountered a problem though. It doesn't have power trim so you have to lift the motor yourself and there is a small black latch that secures it in place when it's down in the running position. It's not working. You can move it to either position but there is no resistance and it does nothing. Is this something I can take apart and fix myself? I'm pretty good at working on cars and motorcycles but have never worked on outboards before. Thanks in advance.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Broken latch

Yes you can fix that yourself.Find the mod# and go to any Merc dealer and they should be able to help.Tell them you need the lock down mechanisim. Look at the parts list/picture and order everything but the bottom plate. Jerry

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Broken latch

There should be a spring on the plate and the shaft around which it pivots. It sounds like this spring is broken.

Now, if I remember correctly there are two roll pins going through the aluminum casting and holding the shaft in place. Even after you drive out the roll pins, don't be surprised if it is almost impossible to drive out the shaft. Most of the ones I have encountered when converting to power tilt/trim had to be cut off. There should also be a stainless rod which passes through the plate and goes to a lever and rod under the front of the engine. You turn the lever to lift or lower the locking plate.

Before you actually buy any parts, be certain that you can remove the pivot shaft and the upper lever and shaft work. This shaft also tends to corrode in and the black lever breaks off.

 

[dwh4784]

Re: Broken latch

There should be a spring on the plate and the shaft around which it pivots. It sounds like this spring is broken.

Now, if I remember correctly there are two roll pins going through the aluminum casting and holding the shaft in place. Even after you drive out the roll pins, don't be surprised if it is almost impossible to drive out the shaft. Most of the ones I have encountered when converting to power tilt/trim had to be cut off. There should also be a stainless rod which passes through the plate and goes to a lever and rod under the front of the engine. You turn the lever to lift or lower the locking plate.

Before you actually buy any parts, be certain that you can remove the pivot shaft and the upper lever and shaft work. This shaft also tends to corrode in and the black lever breaks off.

Well, that doesn't sound like fun at all. Is it even worth the hassle? I had to use the boat with the lever not functioning and it didn't cause any problems. It seems like it would only matter if I threw it into reverse and nailed it causing the motor to lift out of the water correct? It would seem easy enough to avoid doing that.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Broken latch

Yeah, It can be a pain. But, it is necessary. You must remember, even if you slow down rapidly from speed by pulling into neutral, the drag on the prop is going to pop the engine up. AND--Think of the hassle and embarassment when you are trying to dock. Boats don't have breaks.

At least try to free up the actuator lever and rod if it is tight. Then try to drive out the pivot rod. Who knows? It may surprise you and come out without too much hassle. If it doesn't, you have lost nothing except a little time. And even then, you should be able to jerry rig something to hold down the clamp.

OR--Try to find a power tilt/trim on the auctions for a couple of hundred. Once you have used P T/T you will never go back

 

[dwh4784]

Re: Broken latch

Well apparently I wasn't aware of how that mechanism actually works since it would appear I lost a part on the road somewhere. The rod you speak of seems to have fallen off completely. So the shaft that the lever connects to is free spinning and the bracket below that clamps around the travelling bar(or whatever it's called) is just limp. It looks like I just need that rod and I'll be set.