Engine stuck to starboard side...weird

[ranger22]

After 3 hours hanging over my transom I come humbly to this forum for help with my head-scratcher. I have an older (1980s) mercury OB 7.5hp. Has forward, neutral, and reverse. Runs like a top; starts right up and goes through the gears no problem.

Today I pushed the engine to the right to insert the fuel line and somehow the engine locked in that position. This is a totally manual outboard. There's no trim, no power up and down or side to side. But something is keeping it locked to the right (starboard) side. I looked for any kind of switch but nothing. It has a little level labeled "Troll" that I have no idea what it does but playing with that didn't solve anything.

It feels exactly like when you turn the steering wheel of your car too far in Park and it locks. Anyhow I couldn't figure out the problem, a search of the net didn't turn up anything and I couldn't find any answers in my SELOC Mercury Outboards repair manual. I'm desperate. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[milehighboater]

Re: Engine stuck to starboard side...weird

Can you unlock the motor to tilt it up, and if you can does that unlock the motor?

 

[ranger22]

Re: Engine stuck to starboard side...weird

Hi,

It tilts up but that doesn't unlock the motor. It will ony pivot up and down and the axis it's on right now.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[milehighboater]

Re: Engine stuck to starboard side...weird

okay, I am assuming it is a tiller steer. I really don't know where to go with this. Is there any way to take any pictures of the transom? There really isn't too much to that type of mount. Is the boat in the water by chance?

 

[ranger22]

Re: Engine stuck to starboard side...weird

Thanks for hanging in there with me MileHigh... : ) .

YEs, the boat is in the water. It is tiller-steered. I'll take photos Friday of the motor and transom and see if that helps. I'm going to have to pull it off the mount no matter what I think.

Thanks,
Mike