Can't rotate tilt lock lever on mid-90s Johnson 48 Special

[Dodgey]

I have a 1994 or 95 Johnson 48 spl. It doesn't have a power tilt it has the assist cylinder. I can raise the motor I tilt it forward by hand or with a jack but I can't rotate the little lever that locks it up. It is this happening to be raised up above a certain level or is there something I'm missing?

 

[tphoyt]

It should engage if the motor is all the up.
It could be stuck.
Did you remove the handle to operate the tilt cylinder or is it missing?

 

[Dodgey]

It should engage if the motor is all the up.
It could be stuck.
Did you remove the handle to operate the tilt cylinder or is it missing?

Thanks for the tip!

The handle looks to have broken off. Any way to fix that, or operate without the lever? Or it is a wholesale replacement for the tilt mechanism?

 

[tphoyt]

The handle and cable is likely still available.
They weren’t cheap many years ago so that probably hasn’t changed. In the meantime if you can reach the end of the cable with pliers or vice grips you could pull on it to operate the cylinder.

 

[Dodgey]

Thanks, T! I'll check that out. I just found that cable details in my service manual, will take a look.

I grew up with lots of outboards, but they were small, and have only had in/outboards with power trim since. In a bit of a new world with this larger outboard. Really appreciate the advice.