What is this piece on my engine?

General Boats and Motors
1

Can one of you fine gentlemen tell me what this metal ring is on my lower unit?

It must have fell from above.

How worried should I be?

1992 Mercury 115 that runs great.

2

https://www.boats.net/catalog/mercury/outboard-by-year/mercury-outboard/1992/1115422md/swivel-bracket-and-steering-arm-8709c6-818904c

Part #17. retaining ring. Rust probably let it fall. May need to replace #16 which says is unavailable. Imagine that.

I would not let this go un-addressed. Looks like the retainer for the lower motor mount. Loose the upper mount and it might get interesting.

Good Luck
BB

3

Part 16 on Ebay, I have no afiliation with eBay or the sellers.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercury-42961A06-YOKE-BOTTOM/162536502847?epid=1541995472&hash=item25d7ee363f%3Ag%3Abd4AAOSwdSNZ4ZHa&_sacat=0&_nkw=ORD+42961A06+&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/42961A06-swivel-pin-bracket-70hp-mercury-marine-3-4c/302786348739?hash=item467f7906c3%3Ag%3A10gAAOSwr69bNAw9&_sacat=0&_nkw=ORD+42961A06+&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Mercury-Mercruiser-Quicksilver-Oem-Part-42961A06-Yoke-Bottom/360987924017?epid=1541995472&hash=item540c8e9631%3Ag%3A~IgAAOSwDlBTwWS3&_sacat=0&_nkw=ORD+42961A06+&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0

4

Thanks everyone - looks like it’s time for a new yoke!

5

The bottom of the swivel pin has a groove that the ring snaps into. It is a common Mercury issue for it to rust along with the lower mounts. The retainer ring keeps the swivel pin from moving upward. I ran without the retainer ring on a 135 optimax for 4 years without issue. Unless you are racing and hopping waves the weight of the outboard keeps it in place.

Iain Pelto
Pathfinder 2000V
'71 Scout “Ugly Duckling”

6

Thank-you Hairball.

7
quote:
Originally posted by hairball

The bottom of the swivel pin has a groove that the ring snaps into. It is a common Mercury issue for it to rust along with the lower mounts. The retainer ring keeps the swivel pin from moving upward. I ran without the retainer ring on a 135 optimax for 4 years without issue. Unless you are racing and hopping waves the weight of the outboard keeps it in place.

Iain Pelto
Pathfinder 2000V
'71 Scout “Ugly Duckling”

YEP

www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
www.bombislandboats.com
IF I RESPOND IN ALL CAPS, ITS NOT ON PURPOSE, AND I AM NOT YELLING

8

Should I just cut the ring off so it doesn’t bang around until I replace it?