Answer
Sep 25, 2025 - 04:48 AM
On these OptiMax outboards (75/90/115), pulling the whole motor isn’t complicated but you want to do it safely. Here’s the gist:
- Disconnect everything first – fuel line, battery cables, control cables, steering link rod, and any harness plugs. Label them if you’re worried about forgetting where they go.
- Drain and prep – trim the motor all the way down so it’s straight. Make sure there’s no fuel sloshing around loose hoses.
- Rigging the lift – Mercury provides lifting eyes/points on top of the powerhead. Normally you’ll screw in the proper lifting eye tool into the flywheel or use the built-in lift ring if your motor has one. Don’t try to sling it by the cowl.
- Use an engine hoist or crane – attach your chain/strap to the lifting eye and take up the slack. Keep light tension so it balances before you undo the mounting bolts.
- Unbolt the transom clamps/mounting bolts – usually four through-bolts on the bracket. Remove them carefully while the hoist is supporting the weight.
- Lift straight up – slow and steady, make sure the lower unit clears the transom bracket and nothing’s still attached.
That’s the safe way to get it off. The manual has the step-by-step procedure and diagrams, plus the lifting tool part number and torque specs for when you reinstall, though. If you're trying to do it by yourself, I'd say it's a must grab 😉✌🏻
