Tilting Operation; Auxiliary Tilt Switch; Manual Tilting; Trim Tab Adjustment (If Equipped) - Mercury 140 Manual

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FEATURES & CONTROLS
POWER TRIM OPERATION (CONTINUED)
The most significant control hazard is a pull or "torque" that can be felt on the
steering wheel or tiller handle. This steering torque results from the outboard being
trimmed so that the propeller shaft is not parallel to the water surface.
WARNING
Avoid possible serious injury or death. When the outboard is trimmed in
or out beyond a neutral steering condition, a pull on the steering wheel
or tiller handle in either direction may result. Failure to keep a continuous
firm grip on the steering wheel or tiller handle when this condition exists
can result in loss of boat control as the outboard can turn freely. The boat
can now "spin out" or go into a very tight maximum turn which, if unex-
pected, can result in occupants being thrown within the boat or out of the
boat.
Consider the following lists carefully.
Trimming In or Down Can:
1. Lower the bow.
2. Result in quicker planing off, especially with a heavy load or a stern heavy boat.
3. Generally improve the ride in choppy water.
4. Increase steering torque or pull to the right (with the normal right hand rotation
propeller).
5. In excess, lower the bow of some boats to a point at which they begin to plow
with their bow in the water while on plane. This can result in an unexpected turn
in either direction called "bow steering" or "over steering" if any turn is
attempted, or if a significant wave is encountered.
WARNING
Avoid possible serious injury or death. Adjust outboard to an intermedi-
ate trim position as soon as boat is on plane to avoid possible ejection
due to boat spin-out. Do not attempt to turn boat when on plane if out-
board is trimmed extremely in or down and there is a pull on the steering
wheel or tiller handle.
6. In rare circumstances, the owner may decide to limit the trim in. This can be
accomplished by purchasing a stainless steel tilt pin (Part Number
17-49930A1) from your dealer and inserting it in whatever adjustment hole in
the transom brackets is desired. The non-stainless steel shipping bolt should
not be used in this application other than on a temporary basis.
Trimming Out or Up can:
1. Lift the bow higher out of the water.
2. Generally increase top speed.
3. Increase clearance over submerged objects or a shallow bottom.
4. Increase steering torque or pull to the left at a normal installation height (with
the normal right hand rotation propeller).
5. In excess, cause boat "porpoising" (bouncing) or propeller ventilation.
6. Cause engine overheating if any cooling water intake holes are above the
waterline.
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TILTING OPERATION

To tilt outboard, shut off the engine and press the trim/tilt switch or auxiliary tilt
switch to the up position. The outboard will tilt up until the switch is released or it
reaches its maximum tilt position.
1
Engage the tilt support lever (a), by rotating knob (b) to bring support lever
upward.
2
Lower outboard to rest on the tilt support lever.
3
Disengage the tilt support lever, by raising the outboard off the support lever
and rotating the lever down. Lower the outboard.
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AUXILIARY TILT SWITCH

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This switch can be used to tilt the outboard up or down using the power trim
system.
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MANUAL TILTING

If the outboard cannot be tilted using the power trim/tilt switch, the outboard can
be manually tilted.
1
Turn out the manual tilt release valve 3 turns (counterclockwise). This allows
manual tilting of the outboard. Tilt the outboard to the desired position and
tighten the manual tilt release valve.
Note: The manual tilt release valve must be tightened before operating the
outboard to prevent the outboard from tilting up during reverse operation.
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TRIM TAB ADJUSTMENT (IF EQUIPPED)

Propeller steering torque will cause your boat to pull in one direction. This steering
torque is a normal thing that results from your outboard not being trimmed so the
propeller shaft is parallel to the water surface. The trim tab can help to compensate
for this steering torque in many cases and can be adjusted within limits to reduce
any unequal steering effort.
Note: Trim tab adjustment will have little effect reducing steering torque if the
outboard is installed with the anti-ventilation plate approximately 2 inches (50mm)
or more above the boat bottom.
Models Without Power Steering
Operate your boat at normal cruising speed, trimmed to desired position. Turn your
boat left and right and note the direction the boat turns more easily.
If adjustment is necessary, loosen trim tab bolt until trim tab rotates freely, and
make small adjustments at a time. If the boat turns more easily to the left, move
the trailing edge of trim tab to the left. If the boat turns more easily to the right move
the trailing edge of trim tab to the right. Retighten bolt and retest.
Models With Power Steering
Trim tab adjustment is not required. The trailing edge of the trim tab should be set
straight back.
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