Motor Cover Latch

[Joey One]

I recently bought a '97 Johnson, 6HP;J6RLEU.<br />When I tilt the motor up, using the hand hold at the rear of the motor cover, the latch attached to the lower motor cover moves forward, and leaves an opening where the starter rope enters. This is not only noisy, but allows salt water spray to enter the motor compartment. And the cover cannot be removed until the latch is levered back into place with a screw driver. Both the upper and lower catch mechanisms appear to be OK.<br />Is there a fix for this problem?

 

[OBJ]

Re: Motor Cover Latch

Hi Joey. This latch set up ain't the best in the world....has a little ratchet affair that is prone to breaking and what not. The top part of the latch is held in by pop rivets and the lower part by the pan screw. There is a little piece of metal the parts list call a spring in the lower latch....make sure it's still in there. Check that the ratchet is still OK and makes a ratchet noise when the cover is installed. The front hook is also held in with pop rivets....makes sure they are tight also.

 

[Joey One]

Re: Motor Cover Latch

Thanks OBJ. The spring is there; but I don't understand its function. The rachet works OK.<br />I don't understand why the lower latch has to rotate. Today, I'm going to use 16 ga. copper wire to prevent the lower latch from rotating or moving forward. Perhaps I'll learn something.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Motor Cover Latch

If you look at the lower latch, you'll see where the lower pan bolt goes through it. Might check this bolt to be tight.