Upper shock mounts

[stienbd]

I have recently purchased a 1988 Force 85 hp out board motor with a tilt pump that is not working. I baught a 1989 Force 85 HP for parts. The 1989 has a manual lift. I took the power trim bracket off and put the manual swivel bracket assembly on. My problem is when I took off the bracket with the tilt pump I noticed one of the upper shock mounts was broken and the other was in ok condition but was not bolted on top. It appears work was done to the power head and the person working on it for some reason did not bolt the upper shock mount to the power head. In order to fix this I would have to diconnect the entire power head and lift it to get at the area the two bolts go. I tried to us liqiud well on the top part and put it all back together. Both upper shock mounts were replaced and they are both bolted to the bottom but are not connected at the top. Appears for some reason the square on the top did not settle flush with the top plate. It does appear the shock mounts are in the right place(Although not bolted on top). Will this cause me any major problems??? I did hear the engine working befor I baught it.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Upper shock mounts

Although the upper square mount fits in a matching square hole, there should be a 3/8 bolt and two black steel washers on each mount holding it in. without these, the shock mount will move slightly within its square socket and may cause a rattle. If the square plug is not seated in the socket, the engine will move backward against the stop connected to the back of the lower pan with four screws and will ride against it during operation. Not good. However, the only real problem is if the lower engine mount should break, there is nothing to keep the whole engine and leg from popping up right off the upper shock mounts. I heartily recommend taking the time to set them in properly. If the upper mounts are not seated in their square sockets, then the lower mount cannot be properly connected. Again, you really need to take the time to examine all engine mounts carefully and set them properly. At any rate, what I usually do when I have an engine apart is to take an extra thick stainless washer and stainless screw and replace the originals since most of them will rust in time. This does involve lifting the engine and match plate up a minimum of about 2 inches so you can get wrenches and screws in there but if you are careful, you need not completely remove the block. You definitely need to remove the back cover and may need to remove the lower pan also.

 

[stienbd]

Re: Upper shock mounts

Thanks. I thought this may be the case. Appreciate your help.