Re: Lifting Tower of Power 115 off the transom
Two strong men with good backs and using proper body mechanics on each side of the power head can do it, (as I have done many times), but it is always risky, and any mistake can hurt someone and the engine too if ya drop it or get off center. The lift must be well planed, like: whatcha gonna do with her once she is off the transom, eh?????
There is a lifting eye, (not sure of the part # but I have one of 'em), that is the best solution as it keeps the engine perfectly balanced on the hoist. Unlike from bolts or chains on other parts of the engine, (been there done that too), I believe iboats may have the lifting eyes.
The lifting eye is threaded and screws into the center of the flywheels on all of the inlines, (and maybe other Mercs as well) although I'm not 100% sure of that since I don't own other larger horse power Mercs.
Me thinks the 300 lbs # Chris is usin' includes the weight of the inboard power trim, as the 99 cubic inch inline six alone is closer to 270 lbs.
I might jus' break down n' weigh me 1977 1500 when I pick it off the stand in a week or so to settle the real weight issue once and fer all, as NADA is prolly round #s based on old literature. I also have a 1250 I'm messin' with that I could weigh as well.
Fer instance the 1974 1150 or 1500 inline six NADA lists the weight @ 270 and on the 1977 NADA lists the 1150 and the 1500 @ 290 lbs where I know there is zero difference (weight wise) between the 1974 and 1977 as the larger LU with a touch more gear oil was not until the 1979 model year.
The 1500 I have has the larger PT cylinders but I doubt their is much difference between non PT and PT models jus' due to hydrolic cylinders, and I'm guessin' the 270# is closer then the 290# to the actual weight but we shall see. JR
If I weigh her I will post the results.