Mariner 15hp 2S - problems with tilt/clamp/bracket - bent pin

Max... · 18 April 2014, 17:03

Finally worked out this is why the lift and lower mech is not working. The main engagement pin is spring loaded and supposed to (I believe) go in and out to allow the lowering mechanism to work - mine has somehow been bent so cannot go in and stops everything working smoothly as it should - see pics for details (part #12 on swivel bracket picture).

Anyone know how I can remove this assembly to allow the pin to be replaced? The bracket (9) rotates on shaft (10) and I have removed the E clips (18) and another one arrowed in the centre of the shaft but not sure how to proceed....help!

It's a 2006 model.

Max... · 18 April 2014, 17:44

I've now got the C clip (13) off the bent shaft (10) which allows it to move about laterally - just wondering if there a wheeze to get it out and the new one in without having to dismatle the bracket or even the whole bloomin' clamp??

Fenlander · 18 April 2014, 23:20

Max I've not had cause to fiddle in this area so you are the forum tester on this one!

My outboard is well hidden in the depths of the garage now but when I get it out I'll have a look and see if mine has any hint of bending on that pin.

spartacus · 19 April 2014, 07:50

I suspect you'll have to undo the main threaded bracket bolt on the outboard saddle to allow sufficient movement for the bracket (left or right) to open so the bent pin [12] can be removed.

Max... · 19 April 2014, 09:23

Just got back from local chandlers to order the new pin and spare clips. I'll have another look today but they said bring it down when I pick up the bits next week and they'll show me - suspect you are right spartacus.

Just thought that by removing those E clips, the bracket swivel pin could be removed and that would allow the bracket to twist out easily...

Max... · 19 April 2014, 12:07

Sorted! Much easier than thought - by removing the lower clamp bracket spacer and bolts (see attached pic - parts 8 & 9 - this pic should have been in the OP) you can simply swivel each half of the main clamp and this allows the pin to be removed by pushing one way then the other. No need to touch the bracket swivel pin or main tilt tube and loctited nuts.

I straightened the pin (to temporarily try it - will replace with a new one) and it all works perfectly now.

Only slight issue with this system is that to tilt the outboard to the fully up locked position you don't pull it all the way up but one click or so from the top. It then settles into the 'stay up' position. If you pull it further up the mechanism moves it into the back down position.

Also for shallow running you can lift it up a notch or more but to get it back down you need to lift it right up again - normally when approaching shallow water I leave it running, lift up then drop it down - with the mariner to get it back fully down you cannot just 'pull a pin' and lower it back, you need to pull the whole engine up out of the water, not a good idea with it running....

How do others get on with this?

Merseyboy · 06 May 2014, 08:15

Hi max, your post above is a big help. I started experiencing this problem with my merc outboard last weekend. Hopefully I can now resolve the issue quickly.
Cheers
Dave

Max... · 06 May 2014, 09:53

Thanks, yes it's essential that pin is straight, clean, well greased and free to move. I take it back about the above, having used it now the system is clever and works brilliantly.

Merseyboy · 06 May 2014, 10:30

I found the retaining clip had broken away on the pivot pin and the spring had nothing to compress against. I've just fitted a new retaining ring and it's back to normal..result!
Thanks again for the info max.
Cheers
Dave

Fenlander · 25 September 2014, 11:31

Good thread Max. The tilt operation was a bit hit and miss on my new to me 2004 Mercury 15 and as I'm just giving it a service I looked into this. On mine the pin wasn't bent but it was all very dry and until reading this didn't realise the pin that engages with each segment of the "rack" needed to spring sideways as part of the process. With this pin and all the contact points nicely lubricated it works perfectly now.... well after I'd set it up the way I wanted.

See thread "Mercury/Mariner 15 2-stroke Tilt/Reverse Lock setup".

Max... · 25 September 2014, 12:16

Good stuff, it's an awesome system and works brilliantly. Never sure why the old Yam 15 gets 'best 15' accolade on here all the time, having owned both the Merc/Mariner 15 beats it in all respects IMHO.

Only other thing to check David is that little plunger actuated by the primer arm (again see my threads - 'had it with outboards etc' or similar), it gets salted up so needs cleaning now and again.

Fenlander · 25 September 2014, 21:54

Thanks for that reminder Max... it was free and clean but gave it a squirt of WD40 and worked it up and down a few times anyway.

beerbelly · 26 September 2014, 00:40

nice thread max mine is having the same problems I thought it was down to me hitting a rock and the outboard popping up possibly breaking something but got more to go on now (still had to buy a new prop tho)

Max... · 26 September 2014, 07:15

If anyone needs to replace the main pivot pin (that is bent) I would not go to Mariner - price is ridiculous. Buy a length of the SS rod below (3/8" is the exact Mariner spec), take it to any machine shop and they can mill it with the groove and cut to size in a few minutes - that's what I did and got a couple made from the one length.

If you contact them direct they will cut to any length required, I got a 450mm length sent for £7, enough for three IIRC.

303 Stainless Steel Round Bar Rod - 1/4" 8mm 3/8" 1/2" 16mm 20mm | eBay

willfinch36 · 02 February 2021, 15:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max...

If anyone needs to replace the main pivot pin (that is bent) I would not go to Mariner - price is ridiculous. Buy a length of the SS rod below (3/8" is the exact Mariner spec), take it to any machine shop and they can mill it with the groove and cut to size in a few minutes - that's what I did and got a couple made from the one length.

If you contact them direct they will cut to any length required, I got a 450mm length sent for £7, enough for three IIRC.

303 Stainless Steel Round Bar Rod - 1/4" 8mm 3/8" 1/2" 16mm 20mm | eBay

Hi Max, Sorry to dig up an old thread - very helpful btw.

Got the same issue on mine currently, I don't suppose in your archive you have the exact pivot length pin? I made the mistake of bending mine when removing it!

Thanks, Will.