Good morning everyone. I have a 1973 Mercury 850.im having trouble with keeping it locked while in use.

[smokenjoe123]

Ok so can't keep the locking cam to lock to the tilt locking pin when it's goes into reverse. I've had the lower unit off 3 times an it works then it won't. So I want to lock it out permanently. Can any y'all help with how to do this.By the way its on a pontoon boat an don't mind lifting it an pulling out the pin is ok with me.I have a Mercury 50 hp on it know an it's locked all the time but it's an 1981 so it's a little different then the 1973 850...

 

[Chris1956]

The motor should be locked down in neutral and reverse, and not locked in forward only. There is an adjustment on the rod to position the hook. Also the locking rod rides on the plastic cam on the shift shaft. Is it worn out?

 

[smokenjoe123]

Ya,I've been all thru that.Ive had the lower unit off 3 times an then it will work but the nstops working so ???

 

[Chris1956]

Maybe the plastic cam is stripped?

Maybe you can wire it to stay hooked all the time, as it sounds like that would work for you.

 

[smokenjoe123]

I've welded half washers to close off the bottom of the hooks.