progressive trim/tilt for 20hp Merc

[BFG]

Hello all,<br /><br />I have a 1986 Mercury 20hp outboard on a 14' Meyers Super Pro. I was wondering if I could purchase a "clicking" progressive trim mechanism for this motor, as the current setup (stainless pin and plastic spacer (shallow drive)) is very problematic in the rivers and marshes where the motor is primarily used. Hard to make a quick adjustment when the water goes from 3' deep to 18".... <br /><br />Secondly, the current plugs in the motor are Champion plugs look different than the NGK plugs that I purchased at Cabela's to replace the old. I referenced the NGK book to make sure, and even double checked their website. The old plugs are flat, and the NGK plugs have the "spark gap arbor" (can't remember the exact term) on the end. I'm afraid to put the new ones in and start it up, as I fear the pistons crashing into the plugs will scrw things up in a major way. So what I am left with is a motor that idles pretty rough...but runs fine at full throttle. <br /><br />The motor will also die at idle at times, but will run all day long at half choke. There is no external idle adjustment. <br /><br />Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. <br /><br />thank you,<br /><br /><br />BFG

 

[Laddies]

Re: progressive trim/tilt for 20hp Merc

I guess I never run into the type of tilt your looking for and I don't think that you bought the right plugs from Cabela's why not buy from a local dealer or parts store, can you give us some numbers it's impossable to help with out them

 

[Wiggy]

Re: progressive trim/tilt for 20hp Merc

I have a '79 blueband, and my plugs are flat. <br /><br />The service book recommends Champion L76V for your motor.<br /><br />I'm using NGK BUHW-2 and they work fine.

 

[BFG]

Re: progressive trim/tilt for 20hp Merc

Thanks...I'll check them out.<br /><br /><br />BFG

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: progressive trim/tilt for 20hp Merc

What you need to do is a general check on the engine.Spark should jump 7/16 of an inch.Both cylinders.Compression should be around 135 psi,or at least nearly the same in both cylinders.Gas should be clear,and not layered in a sample.<br /><br />The carb is fully adjustable,both idle and mixture.<br /><br />Having to run with the choke 1/2 on means you should find out why.<br /><br />DHP

 

[BFG]

Re: progressive trim/tilt for 20hp Merc

Changed the plugs and ran some carb cleaner through it yesterday while out on the lake. Much improved over the course of the day.<br /><br />Plugs were NGK BUHW. Sorry for the dumb questions guys, first time boat owner. <br /><br />Thanks for the help.<br /><br /><br />BFG

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: progressive trim/tilt for 20hp Merc

I made a second pin for my Merc 200, with a rope to tether it if I drop it, that I can put in the farthest hole if I want to raise the motor a bit for shallow water, without having to remove the other pin, but it doesn't raise the prop as much as I'd like to be able to. Having trashed one LU on my old Merc 110 a few years ago in low water, I'm touchy about this!<br /><br />I'd be intersted to hear other solutions on this.

 

[BFG]

Re: progressive trim/tilt for 20hp Merc

Yes....I have thought of the same scenario....not looking forward to hearing "sploosh..."<br /><br />The real solution is to upgrade to a power trim/tilt....or just buy new props all the time!<br /><br />Any further suggestions are appreciated guys!<br /><br />BFG

 

[NBE]

Re: progressive trim/tilt for 20hp Merc

I have an older 50 merc on a flat bottom aluminum boat that has no power trim and where I like to fish there is a shallow stretch of water about two feet deep and a hundred yards long I have to go through. I use about a 15" piece of 3/4 inch pipe to trim the motor up. <br /><br />I raise the motor up by hand as high as it can go and place the pipe under the motor as high as I can on top of the supports and then let the motor down. This trims it up where the prop is just below the water. You can also adjust the amount of trim somewhat by moving the pipe down as the motor while moving forward helps keeps it in place.<br /><br />Of course, I mostly only go a little faster than idle speed to get through the shallow area and yes, it still pumps water for cooling. I also tether the pipe with a piece of rope so I do not accidently lose it and the rope can also help keep the pipe in place if I need to put it lower.<br /><br />Not as good as power trim but works for me.