Mercury 70hp 1988

[David R]

This is a question about the transom release mechanism for this motor. I've had experience with an old Evinrude and a dead Force, on both of these you just flipped a mechanical toggle to "release" or "lock". In release, if you hit something the motor flips up and minimal or no damage. On this Mercury there is a cyclinder (no PTT) for gracefully lowering the motor. What puzzles me is that you have to gracefully raise the motor too. There doesn't seem to be a panic release. So if hit anything there goes the back-end.<br /><br />Any comments?<br /><br />Also any suggestions on which third party manual best covers this motor. I looked at one that was from 65-92, but wasn't impressed.<br /><br />David

 

[12Footer]

Re: Mercury 70hp 1988

From your description, it sounds like you have a PTT ram on that thing. Look for a threaded hole (may have a plug in it). If you have this threaded hole in it, you need the hydraulic motor and the ol up/down switch, because you're halfway there allready.

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Mercury 70hp 1988

In the Merc parts diagram, it's referred to as a 'shock absorber'. Kind of makes more sense than just letting the motor flop around. It responds quickly in the event of a strike, but won't let the motor just plop right back into the water for another hit. The Merc T&T takes a two-ram setup that doesn't have anything in common with the non power tilt system.

 

[BKool68]

Re: Mercury 70hp 1988

Hi Dave.<br />I have a Clymer for a 1990 90 Merc that is pretty good. Also have a power tilt/trim unit available. Is your 70 a 3 cyl and is it oil injected?

 

[David R]

Re: Mercury 70hp 1988

Thanks for the input guys<br /><br />12Footer; I'll be up north this weekend to winterize the motor and the boat. I'll have a closer look.<br /><br />Fouled Plug; I understand what your getting at, but picture this. I stand on the transom, one foot on each side of the motor, grab the top, lean back and wait. There must be a pressure relief value in the cylinder's oil circuit, but how would one test it. Flipping through a third party manual provides no hints. I'm 225lbs and throwing my weight at it just hurts my back.<br /><br />BKool68; Is the Clymer manual year specific or does it cover a range? The motor is the three cylinder, oil-injected version, so yes I would be interested in your PTT. The controls that came with the package are wired for PTT. Drop me a line at my email.<br /><br />Thanks to all<br /><br />David

 

[David R]

Re: Mercury 70hp 1988

BKool68, tried emailing you direct, but received some strange message from the server. You've probably got the same thing trying to contact me. Try bypassing iboats and use vacuum@eol.ca<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />David

 

[BKool68]

Re: Mercury 70hp 1988

David, I sent you an e-mail for you to reply to me. My address is BKisUp4it@aol.com

 

[David R]

Re: Mercury 70hp 1988

12Footer; I was up north on the weekend, and had another look at the cylinder. It would appear to be a "shock absorber" as Fouled Plug suggested.<br /><br />I did try another fast lift of the motor, no way was it going to move fast. I think in the spring I'll take it off If I can't find an explaination. There are to many rock around my dock to operate on the assumption the cylinder will release.<br /><br />Years ago on a fall trip to the cabin (gets dark real fast up there) I did a James Bond over a submerged dock. If the lock had been set on the motor, probably would have ripped the transom off the boat. I was going just fast enough to flip-flop then back into deep water.<br /><br />I'm religious about making sure the motor is free.<br /><br />BKool68, I'll be in touch.<br /><br />Thanks to all<br /><br />David

 

[David R]

Re: Mercury 70hp 1988

12Footer; I was up north on the weekend, and had another look at the cylinder. It would appear to be a "shock absorber" as Fouled Plug suggested.<br /><br />I did try another fast lift of the motor, no way was it going to move fast. I think in the spring I'll take it off If I can't find an explaination. There are to many rocks around my dock to operate on the assumption the cylinder will release.<br /><br />Years ago on a fall trip to the cabin (gets dark real fast up there) I did a James Bond over a submerged dock. If the lock had been set on the motor, probably would have ripped the transom off the boat. I was going just fast enough to flip-flop then back into deep water.<br /><br />I'm religious about making sure the motor is free.<br /><br />BKool68, I'll be in touch.<br /><br />Thanks to all<br /><br />David