fishfish

I think L&M is right. It is the beginning of the end. You can adjust it for a while but a new one is on the horizon. Not the end of the world just normal wear and tear. While your having it replaced look closely at your bellows they will be next

Use this style stainless washer on the outside of your boat and a tapered phillips head screw with a washer and locking nut. Use marine tex or the 3m below water line sealant gooped up between your washer and the inside nut.

Kwatchi look at your gas tank hose line and inside your gas tank. The new blend of gasoline tends to break down the rubber hoses and plastic fittings on certain gas tanks. We had three plastic gas tanks with flakes in them that eventually plugged up the carbs on our outboards. The pick up tube on the gas tanks just fell apart. A product called Sea Foam will help keep your carbs and fuel system in good working order after you clean them. It is a liguid you pour in your gas. I use it in a 115 hp outboard i troll with and it has made a big difference. About every fourth tank of gas i use it.

BP If you dont want to drill more holes use 3M marine adhesive fast cure 5200 to help secure/stick the mounting plate. It is a very good product to seal up old screw holes too. Sold at marine stores and i think Wallmart.