New to boating, have some questions about my old merc

[Coastal Rick]

I am now the owner of an old 14ft Western with a 1973 20hp merc. I don't know much about boats and engines except what I've picked up over the last couple weeks of owning one. So I have a few questions, maybe someone can help me out?

I've noticed there is a small fin on most outboards to compensate for steering, right under the cavitation plate. Mine doesn't have one, the small plate on the bottom side of the cav plate is smooth with no signs of anything ever being there. Would that be normal?

The outboard has a couple hooks that can latched to a cross pin (the pin you use to fine tune the angle of the outboard) when it is down and in the running position, that keep the whole unit locked down and it can't be lifted. Is that how I should have it when on the water (locked down) or should it be down but not locked so it kicks up if I hit something in the water? What about trailering, should the outboard be up or down, latched or not?

Also, there seems to be a cable running from that latch mechanism going down somewhere toward the lower unit, and there are some springs along that cable or rod too. Seems to be a linkage of some sort. What function does that have?

I got a new fuel tank and lines, up to the metal female fitting that attaches directly to the outboard. I'm using that connection at the cowling to unhook my fuel tank and hose. And I can tell you that thing is a pain to get hooked up and released, partially because a steering bracket is right next to it. Maybe it will get easier with practice . Do most people do it that way, or is it better to put a quick disconnect at the portable tank? And what fittings would be best? The tank is a 3 gallon moeller and hose assembly is a universal attwood.

Thanks for any and all assistance.

 

[achris]

Re: New to boating, have some questions about my old merc

I am now the owner of an old 14ft Western with a 1973 20hp merc. I don't know much about boats and engines except what I've picked up over the last couple weeks of owning one. So I have a few questions, maybe someone can help me out?

I'll try my best...

I've noticed there is a small fin on most outboards to compensate for steering, right under the cavitation plate. Mine doesn't have one, the small plate on the bottom side of the cav plate is smooth with no signs of anything ever being there. Would that be normal?

Yes. The trim tab is used on bigger engines, but not your 20.

The outboard has a couple hooks that can latched to a cross pin (the pin you use to fine tune the angle of the outboard) when it is down and in the running position, that keep the whole unit locked down and it can't be lifted. Is that how I should have it when on the water (locked down) or should it be down but not locked so it kicks up if I hit something in the water? What about trailering, should the outboard be up or down, latched or not?

The latches should only lock on the tilt pin when the engine is in reverse or neutral, not in forward. If it lock in forward, then the cam needs replacing...

Also, there seems to be a cable running from that latch mechanism going down somewhere toward the lower unit, and there are some springs along that cable or rod too. Seems to be a linkage of some sort. What function does that have?

That is how the latch is operated, from the lower unit. The rod rides on the cam I mentioned in the previous answer.

I got a new fuel tank and lines, up to the metal female fitting that attaches directly to the outboard. I'm using that connection at the cowling to unhook my fuel tank and hose. And I can tell you that thing is a pain to get hooked up and released, partially because a steering bracket is right next to it. Maybe it will get easier with practice . Do most people do it that way, or is it better to put a quick disconnect at the portable tank? And what fittings would be best? The tank is a 3 gallon moeller and hose assembly is a universal attwood.

The original fuel tank supplied with the engine was a 5 gallon, with the same style bayonet connector at the tank end. That's where most people disconnect from.

Thanks for any and all assistance.

Welcome...