Plugged / Capped foot hose ?

[charliegiggles]

Hi,

I just received my 70HP 1979 Mercury thunderbolt outboard.

There appears to be a small maybe 1/4" hose which runs inside the foot and parallel to what I believe is the shifter rod. It's coming out of the top of the foot and looks like it has been capped off.

Any ideas what this hose is. I would like to get this engine, controls and Panther 135 tilt installed but don't want to fry anything in the process.

Thanks.

 

[charliegiggles]

Re: Plugged / Capped foot hose ?

Also it looks like the skeg is missing about 1/4 inch. Someone clipped something. Can this be repaired?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Plugged / Capped foot hose ?

The hose is an attachment point for a same diameter tube that would feed a speedometer. If your boat has an external speedometer pickup, the tube on the engine does the same thing. Yes, the skeg can be repaired by a qualified welder. Find another old outboard, cut off as much as you need and have it welded on.

 

[charliegiggles]

Re: Plugged / Capped foot hose ?

Fantastic. Thanks again....