tube coming out of older 115 Merc O/B

[chrisg]

I 'm thinking of buying a '87 pontoon which has a 115 merc o/b on it (with power trim). Its still in storage.
I noticed the thing is missing the trim fin(sp!?), then I noticed several older engines were missing theirs also (it is in a marina with all older boats around it.) I guess that not a big deal on a pontoon.

The pontoon looks in great shape for the age. Only one rip in a seat and thats at a seam, and the floor felt and looked solid.


My main question is, I noticed a rubber tube comming out from the front of the lower unit ( where the shift linkage is) its about 1/4' in size, and just hanging there, i did not see any tube from above were it may have connected to. Does anyone know if Merc outboards had rubber tubes attached to the lower units? ( and the top of the tube would be below the water line, so it should not be a breather tube, or is it?)

I told the guy if it runs, and we take it out on the water, I'll take it.

thanks

Chris

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: tube coming out of older 115 Merc O/B

Some motors don't need the trim tab to function properly, other have removed them in favor of installing high rake speed props where the tab would have been in the way. If its not there, there should be another machanism in place somewhere to ensure the boat will track straight and overcome torque steer. Perhaps that toon has hydraulic steering? If the tab is not there, it should be capped with flat cover plate. Most likely the trim tab is just missing, and needs to be replaced.

That tube is a speedo pickup tube, and is often connected to a tube going to a dash mounted speedometer. It is not mandatory that it is hooked up, and quite often boats favor a boat mounted speedo pickup device instead etc... quite comon to see that tube dangling from the motor, un-used.

Good luck.

 

[chrisg]

Re: tube coming out of older 115 Merc O/B

Thanks, I just spoke to a marina, and he told me the same thing, also the trim tab is not important, but its only around $10 to replace.

now to see if it runs. I bought it for the teens. I'd rather have them take this out them my new boat!! ( and I hope the 115 dont go that fast! on this pontoon)