80s 4.5HP tilt mechanism

[Maj92az]

Have a new to me good running 4.5hp 80 or 81. But it's main purpose is a kicker motor. I am trying to figure out the tilt...
the motor tilts manually well but does not lock. I can see 4 or 5 pin holes but how does someone lock it higher up for kicker storage or trailering. Those are probably for trim levels...

I see a black lever that is shaped like a guitar pick..but bigger right near the transom bracket..but I can tell whatever it connects to is broken. I see large springs, and a heavy spring loaded lever but not sure of any of it or it's purposes. Not sure what missing parts would even do to lock it in the up position. I'll go and get some pictures.

 

[JimS123]

Some older motors had tilt locks, some didn't. Yours likely DOES at least have a reverse lock.

The holes you mentioned are for adjusting trim angle. There should be a "rod" that goes across the bracket. The lower leg should have a spring loaded bracket, with "hooks" on the end that clamp tight over the "rod" when the reverse lock is engaged.

Making a tilt lock is easy. Buy a SS rod the same diameter as the trim rod and bend it into a square "U" shape. Slide it thru a set of trim angle holes, and place the other side in the "hooks", and then engage the reverse lock.

That works fine in the water but don't drive on the highway like that.

 

[Maj92az]

Ok I am starting to understand it more. I guess there is a high tension release, say you hit something...but as of now I don't even have a pin. In otherwords.. I have not used the motor in reverse lol.

I will look more into the U shape idea. I did measure it as a 5/16 6" bolt if I were to lock it down... although refering to my mount/tilt post on the other page, to hold the motor way out of the water, couldn't I design a larger dowel or pin to insert between the engine and transom mount to hold her WAY up? Unless the U shape idea holds it that high?? I'll go look at her again soon.

 

[JimS123]

You don't want to lock it down. That gives you no safety valve if you hit something. You absolutely need a trim angle pin. Otherwise you can't set the motor angle. Lots of cheep ones on ebay.