76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

[zimme008]

I recently purchased a 76 Crestliner with a 76 Merc 850; both in great condition for their age. The proverbial grandpa and grandma cruiser. Unfortunately, it doesn't have power tilt. Any suggestions for how to add this feature to the boat? Is it possible to find a used unit for this vintage motor? Are their aftermarket systems available? Good one or ones to avoid? Any assistance will be appreciated.

I bought it for my 3 teenage and near-teen boys; we're looking forward to a fun summer of skiing and tubing on our little lake in No. Minnesota. Just don't want to be hoisting a 85 hp motor in and out of the water!

Thanks!

Zimme008

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: 76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

Buying the parts from a dismantler might not be too hard. I'll let the experts here talk more about that.

Another option if you can find one is a TILT ASSIST BRACKET.

I just saw one in use yesterday on an older OMC V85. It's a bracket that pops onto the cowl (hooks into the "handle" on the back of the cowl) and has a handle that provides leverage to assist in pulling the engine up.

I hadn't seen one in a long time. This boater (an older guy) popped the gadget on his engine and seemed to be able to pull it up to full tilt with very little effort. Then he just unhooked the gadget; folded it up and stashed it away.

Of course; Power TRIM is another thing...I'm lucky to have PTT on my old boat...and I'm mighty appreciative of that.

Good luck...Chuck

 

[zimme008]

Re: 76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

Thanks, Chuck.

Actually, the previous owner did have one of those aluminum levers and gave it to me with the boat. I plan to use it on the 35 hp Merc I have on our pontoon boat. For some reason, I end up with boats with PTT. I think I'll go with an aftermarket power tilt for the runabout. Additional recommendations or suggestions will be appreciated.

Zimme008

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

Zimme, You cand search for one of the oEM PTT units. It will have an external pump (mount in boat) two trim cylinders, two brackets, a wiring harness a control panel, four hoses and a piece of trim that dresses up the splashwell where the hoses go thru. You can also buy an aftermarket PTT unit which is universal fit.

If I remember correctly that motor was not too heavy (it locked down in neutral and reverse), but the shock absorber units gave good resistance when you try to pull it up.

 

[Smig]

Re: 76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

Take a look at this PT&T Manual. It is the installation manual for an OEM add on kit. The kits aren't available anymore (unless you get lucky and find one sitting around) but it should help you understand what is going on. You can find the parts on ebay.

 

[Wellwater]

Re: 76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

I believe I have an old 850 sitting out back that has trim on it ,I have the control switch and a pump if you are interested .depending on what you need to convert yours or maybe take the power head and lower unit an put on my frame .This motor I purchased a couple years ago for the lower unit I dont know if it runs or not it a 1975 I think.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

Wellwater, It is only about six bolts to remove the PTT unit on that motor. Much easier (IMHO) tha removing the powerhead and LU. Much cheaper to ship I would also think.

 

[Wellwater]

Re: 76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

Yeah if it is just the cylinders /lines and pump/switch that you need. I didnt know if the motors that just had the shocks on them where the same as the motors with ptt. Let me know if you are interested.
Brian

 

[Wellwater]

Re: 76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

If there is any other 850 parts anyone may need I have 2 complete uppers cables/controls and lower parts but not complete lowers.

 

[zimme008]

Re: 76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

Thanks to all for the many useful suggestions. I think I will go with installation of the CMC PT-130 system. The track record for OEM P&T systems seems to be pretty spotty. Again, I appreciate the advice and offers of assistance.

Zimme008

 

[MercMark]

Re: 76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

If there is any other 850 parts anyone may need I have 2 complete uppers cables/controls and lower parts but not complete lowers.

I'm actually looking for a replacement wiring harness and Mercontrol parts. My fast idle detent is done for and the lever keeps poping up. My wiring harness is in bad shape. It's probably only about 50% covered with insulation and what's there is quite crumbly. So I'm a potential buyer if you have a harness in good shape with good insulation and a decent set of Mercontrols.


I may be back for lower unit parts if you have any. I currently have one 850 assembled from an untested powerhead (one short test run), an untested frame with PTT and a good lower unit (which may leak so needs some troubleshooting in water). I have one bad powerhead's worth of parts, and another frame which I would offer up, but I'm going to scavenge the PTT for parts to make the one in use work.

 

[Smig]

Re: 76 Merc 850 Power Tilt

If there is any other 850 parts anyone may need I have 2 complete uppers cables/controls and lower parts but not complete lowers.

Do you still have parts to get rid of? I may be looking for some - I will know more this weekend.

What part of the country are you in? If you are anywhere near me, I may be able to take more.

Smig