Vintage Penta Stern Drive, Reverse Lock Issues

[StefanSG]

Hi I have a 70's era Aquamatic 100B stern drive, they are getting a bit rare nowadays, and that also means information on them is BI ... before Internet. The reverse lock doesnt work well, I have followed the instructions in the manual on how to set it up, but it keeps failing in reverse. Any suggestions or modifications on how to make it work better ? A friend has suggested modifying the sprung stainless stirrup hook to be more concave so it holds onto the leg better. I am wondering whether I can adjust when the lock starts working, so that it starts locking at low revs in forward, is locked in neutral, and reverse, and when the leg needs lifting, I just put the boat in forward. Reason being, I think the forward motion of the boat must push the leg up when I put the boat in neutral which interferes with the mechanism.
TIA

StefanSG

 

[PCUK]

I have a vague recollection of these from years gone by. I think you should just keep adjusting the pin until it does lock and then check whether the leg will kick up in forward gear.

 

[QBhoy]

this happened on some later models too. the mechanism can wear a little and not catch. Outwith finding or making a new catch, I have seen some guys lock the thing in place with a suitably sized cable tie (one which is only just man enough to hold in place, but weak enough that it is likely to give way, should the leg contact an obstacle whilst in motion) around her.
Not suggesting this is a great thing to do, but only that it did a job of things for the guys I knew.
Take from that what you will !

 

[StefanSG]

this happened on some later models too. the mechanism can wear a little and not catch. Outwith finding or making a new catch, I have seen some guys lock the thing in place with a suitably sized cable tie

Thanks QBhoy
I have considered this but I need to be able to raise the leg often.

SSG

 

[QBhoy]

Thanks QBhoy
I have considered this but I need to be able to raise the leg often.

SSG

That’s a fair downside to it, if such a thing affects your type of outdrive. Has she the electric tilt mechanism?
Don’t claim to know much of anything about any of these things older than maybe a 280/270 at best, but is there any chance that yours shares the licking latch part with any of the 280/290/270 more readily available things ? No idea myself to be honest. It was usually the actual latch that would wear on these. Not the spring so much.

 

[PCUK]

I've got a 250 leg on a Coronet in the shed. I'll have a look at it on Monday and see if I can remember what needs to be done.