Tilt Pin "Knob" Installation Recommendations

[mercuryspecialist]

Hi All,

Received a new tilt pin assembly 778197 to replace 432453 on a 1981 Evinrude 15 horsepower, and the plastic "knob" portion was not installed on the pin, but simply in the bag with the pin. Is there any recommendation to best successfully install the plastic knob on the pin? Does one simply align them and push/press until the "knob"’s internal rib reaches the groove in the pin? Soak the "knob" in warm to hot water first? Is the use of soap or lubricant possibly all that is needed without fear of breaking the plastic (due to forced expansion) during installation? A possibly too careful of mind person would appreciate a reply from someone who has previously done such an installation.

Thank You In Advance,
Joe

[fleetwin]

Joe
Have never seen one of these newer kits, is this some sort of universal kit that has you cut the rod to size so it fits several different engines? I’m assuming the handle is the usual hard plastic. Were there any instructions in the bag/kit? Maybe this is just some sort of manufacturing error. I would think that the plastic handle would be just compressed onto the rod, but it would surely be tough finding a vice that opens wide enough to accept the long tilt pin. Trying to tap the handle onto the pin with a mallet might break the lovely plastic….
Post some pictures if you can.
I don’t want to give you bad advice about this, I’m sure the part was ridiculously expensive.

[mercuryspecialist]

Hi,

Thank you. It doesn’t appear to be universal to a Mercury guy. The plastic does seem to be pretty hard, but almost all of the tilt pin hole is molded such that the tilt pin will slide in, and it does have the trigger hook which flexes to retain the pin to the clamp bracket. It is only smaller on the inside end where it is intended to grip/snap into the ?1/8"? wide groove machined in the pin for it. A small vise might be too small to open far enough, but a large vise or hand press likely would. Although the part does not seem too ridiculous to me, I thought it best to inquire rather than just trying. I do not have a picture, and there were no instructions in the seemingly sealed part paper bag. The tilt pin end for the "knob" is beveled to allow the pin end to align and enter the plastic a little.

Thank You,
Joe

[PugetSoundBoater]

I would try soaking the plastic in very hot water ,almost boiling for a few minutes. Put the metal rod in the freezer for a while. Lube the rod tip with something to reduce friction ,just a bit of PB Blaster etc. What method of pressing it in is a good question. Do you have a drill press (NOT running)that you could use to press the rod in by lowering the rod placed in the chuck down into the plastic?

"Some people want to know how a watch works, others just want to know what time it is"
Robbie Robertson

[fleetwin]

The drill press sounds like a great idea, so does the arbor press….Would love to see what this kit looks like…

[Mumbles]

Couldn’t tap it on with a hammer?

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[PugetSoundBoater]

quote fleetwin:

The drill press sounds like a great idea, so does the arbor press….Would love to see what this kit looks like…

For the price they charge for it, it shouldn’t be a" kit" at all. Finish the part job BRP.

"Some people want to know how a watch works, others just want to know what time it is"
Robbie Robertson

[PugetSoundBoater]

quote Mumbles:

Couldn’t tap it on with a hammer?

Since it isn"t my part and expensive for what it is,taking into consideration the plastic knob, i erred on the side of caution .Ya can’t be too careful with that high quality plastic these days 😀

"Some people want to know how a watch works, others just want to know what time it is"
Robbie Robertson

[chinewalker]

I’ve replaced a few of those pins over the years – the clip part tends to snap off over time and abuse. Never had one that had some assembly required…

[fleetwin]

quote Chinewalker:

I’ve replaced a few of those pins over the years – the clip part tends to snap off over time and abuse. Never had one that had some assembly required…

Same here…A way overpriced piece, always looked for used ones. I’m wondering the same thing, perhaps this is some sort of manufacturing error.

[Author]

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