Merc 35hp ob tilt won't lock

[hamilt10]

new to boats. waiting on my manual. the engine tilt lock will not engage and when I reverse, the engine comes out of the water. looks like a tube is disconnected in the lower unit...could this be the problem? what does it attach to? black tube with gradated connector on the end.

[bowlin257]

new to boats. waiting on my manual. the engine tilt lock will not engage and when I reverse, the engine comes out of the water. looks like a tube is disconnected in the lower unit...could this be the problem? what does it attach to? black tube with gradated connector on the end.

[bowlin257]

new to boats. waiting on my manual. the engine tilt lock will not engage and when I reverse, the engine comes out of the water. looks like a tube is disconnected in the lower unit...could this be the problem? what does it attach to? black tube with gradated connector on the end.

The tube is for connection to a speedometer. Check to see if you have the springg attached that connects to the lock system. you can adjust the lock system with the adjustment nut. All of this is easy to get to when motor is in tilted up position.