Honda 7.5 HP 4 stroke, simple mechanical problem

[rocketpup]

Hi everyone,<br /><br />I have recently acquired a boat with a 7.5HP 4 stroke Honda. An older model. Unfortunately the people who sold it to me can't tell me the year.<br /><br />I'm having a problem securing the motor in the down position which, of course, makes it kind of difficult to operate.<br /><br />There is a pin that the motor rests on when in the down position and there is a latch that should go over the pin in order to keep it down when in reverse gear. The latch is located too far above the pin, however, when the motor is down and it won't latch over it. The latch is held at its current height by a stiff wire that I figure must be able to be lowered somehow but I can't find any way of doing it.<br /><br />Does anybody have any ideas? I suppose it could be damaged but everything looks like it's where it's supposed to be so I think it's more likely that I'm merely stupid.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Brian

 

[JB]

Re: Honda 7.5 HP 4 stroke, simple mechanical problem

Howdy, Rocketpup.<br /><br />That latch should drop over the pin and lock your engine when you shift into reverse, but only then.<br /><br />It must stay unlocked when in forward or neutral, otherwise the first log you hit will take your transom off.<br /><br />Check for a link between your shifting and the latch. It may be lost or broken.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[rocketpup]

Re: Honda 7.5 HP 4 stroke, simple mechanical problem

Hi JB,<br /><br />That makes almost too much sense. <br /><br />Would you expect that we could see the linkage/latch work without the motor being in operation? The last time we tried to reverse the motor popped out of the water and slammed back down, breaking the fitting that attaches to the steering cable assembly somewhere along the way. We found a replacement but not too keen to have to find another.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Brian

 

[JB]

Re: Honda 7.5 HP 4 stroke, simple mechanical problem

Howdy, RocketPup.<br /><br />The latch should function with the engine running or not.<br /><br />Clearly it is not working. Look for a broken or missing link to the shift linkage.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[wadeaross]

Re: Honda 7.5 HP 4 stroke, simple mechanical problem

My '84 latches and unlatches smoothly. If interested let me know and I will send some detailed digital pics.

 

[hondon]

Re: Honda 7.5 HP 4 stroke, simple mechanical problem

On the starboard side of that engine, there is a lever that controls the tilt lock mechanism. When it is in the run position ,down, that engine should be locked around the tilt pin no matter what gear you are in.Frequently,time and a lack of use can cause this little bit of engineering to become sluggish or in op.At that point you will need to disassemble the tilt system,clean it and put it back together.First time out give yourself three hours to give this thing a go .Pay attention to how things look when they come down,and toothpicks come in handy with the roll pin thing.