Hi, I have a 1991 Evinrude 70 hp with OMC side-surface mount controls. The red tilt/trim switch is loose or broken in the top of control handle, so when I press trim up, the switch gets pushed into the handle, and my thumb can't press the switch far enough to make contact. The trim down portion of the switch sticks out of the handle further and works as normal. As a quick fix I shoved a flat wire tie behind the top portion of the switch. This forces the top of the switch to stick out of the handle more... enough for me to make contact when trim up switch is pushed.

I would like to fix/replace the switch. 1, how does the control handle open, to get to the switch and harness? I see no bolts anywhere. Does the entire control unit have to be opened up just to remove the handle with switch inside? Or does the front half of the handle snap off with force? On another forum it said there was an outside set screw to remove handle, but there does not seem to be one on mine? From the 1 schematic I found online, it almost looks as though the handle is bolted/screwed on from the inside of control housing? That would mean the entire control would have to be opened just to replace the trim switch? I could really make a mess doing that? 2, How is the switch held in place inside the handle top. Since my switch is loose, is the switch broken, or is whatever holds the switch in place broken- will I need a replacement handle?

This is a new boat for me and I think the former owner broke the trim switch by pushing on it too hard, perhaps when a relay went bad or on the fritz? (I'll be replacing both relays) Thanks for any help and advice on how to replace my switch- The wire tie fix works for now, but I know it's there and is not right!

Thanks, CC.