1972 Johnson 50HP - Needs to be locked down when operating?

[MM3Canuck]

Hi!

I'm new to outboards, this being said, I have a question, maybe a silly one to some people on here.

On the front of the motor, just below the idle screw is a lever. When flipped from left to right, it locks the motor down. I guess this prevents it from coming up during operation? Is this right? It needs to be locked?
Also, the rod that keeps the motor at a certain angle when lowered; how does the angle affect the boat?

I attached a pic, but it doesn't show the lever, just the rod it locks into when lowered.

Thanks
Dennis

[Cofe]

Not a silly question at all.
The rod position is to trim your boat at WOT. If the boat plows water at wot, move the rod position. Or if the boat noses up, move the rod position. The ideal position is when the boat planes out at WOT.

There is an adjustment on the trip lever to release the leg if you hit something. To set it, tighten the mechanism in the unlocked position, pull up on the leg to see how difficult it is to trip the mechanism. Adjust as needed. Hope this helps you out.

[eavega]

Yeah, you will realize how useful that tilt-lock lever is the first time you take the motor and throw it in reverse with the lever set to the "Release" position

Been there, done that.

-E

[MM3Canuck]

Thanks for all your info. That definitely helped, and answered all my questions.

Good call "eavega", I would have never thought about the reversing part! That would have been ugly and embarrasing!!


Thanks guys

Dennis

[Andy in NY]

i had a merc that didnt like to lock in reverse... scared the stuffing out of me the first time i went to back up...

[warriorpoet]

Yeah i have a 1972 65 Johnson, been there done that with the reverse. Motor jumped out of the water. Scared the bejes out of me.

Just dont forget the plug!!!


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You learn or sink

[Rick.]

[QUOTE=eavega;2719957]Yeah, you will realize how useful that tilt-lock lever is the first time you take the motor and throw it in reverse with the lever set to the "Release" position

Been there, done that.

My 1995 Johnson 40hp has that same lock. I use it as a poor mans trim assist. Put it in reverse and give it some gas, unlock it and be ready to lock it real quick. Then to neutral and let her down to where I want it. LOL, but that is what I do. Some day I'll have power trim just like the other kids. Best of luck. Rick.