Evenrude with manual tilt assist problem

[Haug Hunter]

I don't know how many people are familiar with these but I have an '89 Evenrude with the hydraulic assist manual tilt. When I took it out of storage this weekend I couldn't get the motor to tilt up. I replaced the cable that runs from the lock/release handle down to the hyd. assist unit a year or so ago so I wouldn't think thats the problem. Any suggestions?

[Surface Tension]

You must of had one of the last trim assists that still worked. I've went though 3 cables. levers, and cylinders.

I didn't think you could still get parts. As you may know the lever is plastic and flexes. That could be the problem.

You can take the cable off the lever and get something on the end of the cable to pull it out and test it. Its takes some force to do that. With an assistant have them try and lift the outboard. If the outboard will trim up an down while you have the cable pulled out then your problem is in the lever. Like I said they are plastic and the amount of pull needed to engage the valve is a lot.

I ended up finding a complete used OEM trim set with the wiring, switches and relays. That wasn't easy to find either. A new OEM T&T will run you more then the outboard is worth. You can get an aftermarket trim for a lot less but then you have a 6" setback. If this is on a tiller that might not work out for you because of the added reach.

Good Luck.

[Haug Hunter]

I tried tightening the cable thinking mabey it had stretched or something over the winter but that didn't seem to do anything. When the cable went bad before I could move the motor up and down with alot of effort, but this time I cannot get it to move at all. Like you said, I am debating even hauling it into the dealer to see if can be fixed because its probably more expensive than the motor is worth. The cable alone was something like $125, which is absolutly rediculous.

[Surface Tension]

Wish I could be more help, that trim assist is aggravating I know. The amount of movement on the cable is small so adjustments have to be made a hair at a time. If you get it to tight you'll ruin the plastic lever.

I don't remember if the there was a bypass you to allow you to lift and lower the outboard. That'll get you by but your outboard will be trimed down. That might or might not be too low and you'll plow water.

[Haug Hunter]

Thanks for the info. I know what you mean about overtighening the plastic lever, when I put the new cable on one full turn went from not releasing to breaking the connector. In regards to the manual release I have never seen anything that looks like one on there, what should I look for? Thanks again.