Sorry if this is a dumb question but I'm a new owner. I tried to remove the cowling from Mercury 115 4 Stroke CT #2B187251 to check the oil etc by pulling out the lever on the back of the engine but the cowl wouldn't release.
I bought this boat used from a dealer with only 30 hrs on the engine and it doesn't have a manual.
Last edited by ra2bach; 01-27-2021 at 10:27 AM. Reason: comply with forum guidelines
There should be a pull out lever around the front of the engine as well. Don't ask me how I know..almost cost me a 600$ cowl!!
hmmm, I really should have seen that. I'm sure I checked...Originally Posted by G48
If you would, please take a moment to review the Announcements at the top of the Forum, and be sure to provide the Required Info (serial number) when posting. Thanks!
The current 115 Fourstroke upper cowling has only ONE release latch at the back of the cowling. Page 65 of the engine owner's manual explains cowling removal or re-installation.
To remove, pull the release latch OUT at the back of the cowling, and lift the AFT/Back end of the cowling UP. There is a "hook" at the front which will disengage when the back of the cowling is lifted, allowing you to remove the cowling.
If the above does not work, STOP, and have a dealer check it for you.
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
I have a 2018 150hp Pro XS 4 stroke and asked my dealer the same thing because I couldn't get the cowl off. It turns out that I really had to push up hard while holding out the release latch to break it loose. By hard I mean hard enough that I thought I was going to break something, it's very tight. After breaking the rear of the cowl loose, as Don said, push the cowl towards the rear to release the front hook then lift up.
2000 TR186
2018 150 Pro XS 4 Stroke
6in jack plate-24" Fury3
Good idea to spray some silicone spray onto a rag (real wet) and wipe the rubber seal with the rag. Don't spray directly onto the seal as it makes a mess.
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Good item to put on your maintenance list.. Do the same on numerous seals including boat compartment lids..
thank you. I will go back up and review the announcements and provide serial number. one of the reasons I wanted to get the cowl off was to check the serial number...If you would, please take a moment to review the Announcements at the top of the Forum, and be sure to provide the Required Info (serial number) when posting. Thanks!
The current 115 Fourstroke upper cowling has only ONE release latch at the back of the cowling. Page 65 of the engine owner's manual explains cowling removal or re-installation.
To remove, pull the release latch OUT at the back of the cowling, and lift the AFT/Back end of the cowling UP. There is a "hook" at the front which will disengage when the back of the cowling is lifted, allowing you to remove the cowling.
If the above does not work, STOP, and have a dealer check it for you.
I'm not where my boat is docked now but headed down there this weekend and I'll update this post then...
The serial number is on the engine mounting bracket.
Just so you don't feel alone I had the same issue. I actually had to break out the manual to take the cowling off. I thought I was going to break something. Now I pull the lever with my right hand and push up on the cowling with my left hand and its second nature. I've had 5 outboards and this is the first time I needed a manual to take the cowling off.
2024 Phoenix 818, Mercury 175 (3B414035) Trick Steps, 3 Garmin 106 SV,s, LVS 34. BoatEFX dual bow mount. Ionic 12V 125AH, 2 12V 100 ah LiTime’s with Blue tooth for the TM. Minn Kota 345 PCL charger, Minn Kota Quest TM.
They are hard to get off. I looked on the web to get mine off.
oh it is, is it? I suppose I would be able to look at that if I was where my boat was.The serial number is on the engine mounting bracket.
per my original statement that you are amusing yourself over - "I'm not where my boat is docked now"...
If your boat is insured the serial number should be in the policy if you have that
2018 TRX 18. 2020 Mercury 200 Pro XS V8
I had this happen to me recently. On mine the nut had backed off of the lock cam where it would spin, but not turn the cam. Took a coat hanger, slipped it between the upper and lower cowling, caught the cam, and pulled it free. Kind of like jimmying an old car door lock. Tape up the cowl first so it does not scratch.
http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=1081462
You said: "one of the reasons I wanted to get the cowl off was to check the serial number.."
THis is great advice for seals on car doors too...
2016 Ranger 1850 LS Reata / Merc 150 4s / SmartCraft / Lowrance HDS Carbon SS3D
Something else that should work well to lubricate the cowl rubber seal is the spray I use on my RV slide out seals. It can be purchased at a camper store or nowadays many Walmart stores have it.
thank you all for your replies. I ended up getting the cover off after a visit to the dealer where they had one of my exact boat and motor on the showroom floor. unbelievably, we had to have one of the service techs come to remove the cowl on that engine as it was stuck too!
we were pulling on the release handle and expecting to hear/feel a click or some other indication that the catch came undone but there was no indication of any kind. short story is that gasket needs lubricating.
once I knew what to look for, when I got home I had to use a plastic spatula to twist in the groove to lever the cowl up and off. even with that tool and the assistance of my son, it was still unbelievable the amount of effort it took. there is no way I would have gone forward using as much force as I eventually needed except for seeing it done at the dealer and for someone here saying they thought they might break their cowl with all the force it took.
anyway, thank you for all the replies and to EuropeanAM for the hint about using silicone spray in keeping the engine accessible...
If all else fails get a bigger hammer, just teasing!! LOL
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