Lock release lever problem on 35 hp gale

[ronboonville]

Lever won't stay in release position and I have have to hold it in release position to raise the motor. This is not a problem when I'm standing on the ground but on the water it is difficult. I have rotated the bolt that goes through it thinking it might have a worn spot but it didn't help. Used pb blaster and three in one oil on pivot and it sure did help lifting motor. I have resorted to a McGiver bungee cord to hold in the release position. yes I'm a redneck. I'm thinking about pulling the bolt and drilling out the lever and using a bushing to have a snug fit on lever to bolt. Since I've had trouble with motor touching the bottom when launching, and getting stuck in the mud, should I operate with it in the released position and only lock it when I need to use reverse?

 

[F_R]

Re: Lock release lever problem on 35 hp gale

The lever may be bent. It should latch on the lower step of the slot. Maybe it needs a bit of a tweak toward that direction. Or the step may be worn, might need a touch from a file or something.

The motor is supposed to be operated in lock position so it will stay down in reverse. There is an automatic release built in that will allow it to release and come up if you hit a submerged object. Now for the "yes-but". Yes, but if you are running at slow speeds in skinny water where you know darn well you might drag bottom, might as well release it so it will tilt without having to whack it hard enough for the automatic release to operate.