TOPIC: OMC "Prestolite" early power tilt mechanism

So I just bought this OMC Prestolite power tilt unit to use on my 1960 Evinrude Starflite II. I know very little about the system.



I dug around in the Library here and found the following ad:


Does anyone know when OMC first began offering this particular unit? I was under the impression they started in 1963 but then the tilt bracket on my 1960 has the mounting holes for the pump bracket, so I suppose they most have been around even earlier?

Also, without any instructions, what is the deal with the rubber hose? It's basically a brake hose with hard line ends and the one end terminates with this small bracket with two screw holes in it, and seemingly does nothing. What is this hose for and where does the end get mounted? Is it perhaps to drain or fill the hydraulic oil? Any help on this one is appreciated.

I also scored a nifty NOS tilt switch plate that will look great on my Seafair's helm.

I just did away with the the unlock mechanism and hose . I don’t lock my engine down anyway.

Thanks Jim but unfortunately you didn't really answer any question I have. That hose must do something....does it have anything to do with locking the engine down?

The hose between the pump and a hydraulic activator unlocks the engine from the mount to allow it to tilt up. There’s a stiff wire between the activator and the lock mechanism that is moved to unlock it. Hope this explains it good enough.

Yes, Jim, that definitely helps explain it. I can see now how there is a little pin that pushes out of the bracket on the hose end to press the unlocking feature. Thanks for the explanation!

Nice find. The pre 1960 engines had a different bracket and no provision for this unit. But the prestolite tilt system was also available for Homelite / Bearcat engines as an accessory. It was likely available for other brands as well