Non-jet boat question about a Mercury outboard

[Jerlane]

Sorry for the off topic post, but I’m sure plenty of you have outboards as well.

I’m picking up an 8hp four stroke Mercury outboard. Seems to start and run great. I have it on a stand, but can’t seem to tilt it. I have it off, put throttle in forward (lock/unlock tab in unlock position) and I should be able to push down on the tiller to raise it, but it won’t budge. Any ideas?

 

[zipper]

Our 2019 15hp Mercury has a red handled lock on the starboard side, base of the powerhead, you need to flip it down I believe. Blow up the pic, you can see the action embossed in the transom bracket. Not seen in any of your pics.



Nice motor, planes out our 11' Zodiac nicely.

 

[Jerlane]

Quick update already: there’s a black semicircular bracket that I can lift to release it. I think it is supposed to release automatically when it’s off and you put it in forward.