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We have a 1989 Evinrude (E48ESLCER) stuck in the down position. The lever on the Stbd side to release the tilt lock (manual tilt) moves to both the lock and unlock position but the engine remains locked down. I have loosened the big nut that holds the cable to the tilt shock, still no tilt. I have tried to pull up on the cable where it goes into the shock, again nothing releases. Can anyone explain to me how this system works and how, if possible, I can release the tilt lock?

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I am familiar with what is called tilt assist assembly. What you want to do is adjust the tilt assist cable so that it tightens and releases the tilt tube from the down position. You adjust the cable by turning the polypropylene nut shaped head at the base of the cable - at the opposite end of the big nut - where it meets the tilt tube assembly. Several turns should tighten the cable sufficient to unlock the tilt assist tube.

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Hey Weatherly thanks for the response. I have tried to spin the nut but it will not move. The wrench just jumps around and if I continue trying I am sure the nut will round off. Is there a way to remove the cable from the tilt tube assy? With it not tilting every time I need to try something I need to pick the engine off the stand I have it on so I can reach the cable area. Someone suggested I remove the long bolt holding the tilt shock onto the engine with but it is pretty tight and hasn’t moved at all with both nuts removed. Hopefully the Seloc I have on order will have a good diagram of how this tilt mechanism is built and I can figure out a way to disassemble it. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

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You do not have to remove the tilt assist cylinder to fix this problem. You can remove the cable at the tilt pin lever to see if you can get enough play to release the tilt cylinder. Be careful not to break what isn't broken already; that would make this repair more costly.

Apply some lubricant (WD-40 or PB-Blaster) to the release pin located under the big nut you said you already loosened on the tilt assist cylinder. See if the cable moves by working the tilt assist lever.

If you have no movement of the cable then you need to access the front of the outboard bracket (Your motor is off the boat) to remove the tilt assist cable from the tilt assist lever. All that is required is a regular screwdriver to pop the socket off the ball. There is also a clamp that holds the cable to the outboard bracket; remove that too.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5...c313_b.jpg

Can you move the cable with a pair of pliers enough to release the pin?

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5201/5...ca14_z.jpg

Lubricate it and let it soak in for a period; try again. It will work free, eventually.

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Ok, thanks. I am soaking the cable and where it connects to the shock. It appears the cable is loose and that it is trying to move whatever is in the shock but nothing is happening, yet. After 3 or 4 days if nothing is happening I’ll ask for more suggestions. I’m thinking maybe some heat below where the shock connection is, being careful not to melt the plastic connectors?

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The tilt assist cylinder is a sealed high pressure nitrogen filled assembly. I do not recommend the use of heat to free up the release pin.

It is a good sign if the cable is moving between the lever and the hydraulic release valve. There are two points of adjustment on the cable: at the lever and at the release valve.

What you want to do is tighten the cable so that play is removed between lever and valve. After soaking, tighten the big nut at the cylinder end of the cable the try and adjust the top nut. Use a six point open end wrench to adjust.

Also, you want to exert some load on the skeg lower unit with the bracket bolted tightly to an outboard motor stand. Can you move the lower unit 1-2 inches up/down? This will help to loosen the tilt rod.

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Finally got the cable completely free of the engine and was able to tilt using a screwdriver to work the valve. Everything moved free and easily. I examined the cable closely and founf the ‘shell’ end’s plastic was cracked enough that it was not able to move the valve. A new shell is on order so hopefully all will work well once it arrives and I figure out how to adjust it correctly. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP WEATHERLY!