Tohatsu Outboard - Tilt Lever Stuck.

[Old Snipe]

Hello gang,

I have a Tohatsu M8B 2 stroke hanging off the back of my 26' Islander. The engine starts and runs pretty well. The problem is that the tilt lever will not release so I can tilt the engine up to get the prop out of the water. The transom swing mount almost gets it up and out all the way, but the prop blades will be dragging once we get it under sail. The engine is mounted too low for me to get eye level with it. I am thinking it might be just the usual corrosion, but I was told last night that the reverse lock might be causing it. I can post a pic of the setup once I get over to the marina if I can figure out how to do it on a my cell phone.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully...............John

[thinwater]

I'm not aware that engine has a reverse lock.

If it is corroded solid, disassembly can be impossible. But try.

If it won't come apart, many sailors simply remove the locking pin and use a rope to hold it up or down. How that is done is boat-specific.

[onestepcsy37]

Sounds like corrosion/sticking/bent tilt lever. I had to really work my tilt lever around to get it right. Easier if the motor is off the boat.

[wsmurdoch]

I'd guess a sticky lever. The owner's manual is here:

Tohatsu Outboard Motor - Owners Manuals

I've got pdfs of the service and parts manuals. If you can't find them on-line, send me a PM and I'll send you a copy.

[jwo01]

I have a 4 stoke Tohatsu 8 that i have to shift into forward before lifting it.

[donradcliffe]

I'd occasionally have that problem with my Tohatsu 2 stroke 18hp, and a bit of grease in the right place would solve it.