"Gary you should start a new t
"Gary you should start a new thread for a different question but I will try to explain what you have.
The release lever is attached to a thin stiff wire that leads down the steering shaft to a hook like device on the outside of the transom. The hook is spring loaded, you should see a long narrow spring, top end of the spring is attached to the engine the bottom part is attached to the hooking section. The hooks catch on an adjustable shaft that runs horizontal. This is the small shaft that you can move to different holes to adjust the trim of your engine. When the lock lever is in the "lock" position the spring keeps pressure on the hook to hold it down against that horizontal shaft (pin). When you "release" the lever you should feel the pressure of the spring pulling against the lock lever, that's why there is a notch to catch the lever. If you do not feel the spring pressure the small wire that connects the lever to the hook is probably broken or out of adjustment. You can release the engine by taking a screwdriver and prying the hooks up off the horizontal pin while lifting up on the shaft end of the motor. Once you manually get the motor lifted up you will get a clear view of the workings.
Hope this helps.
Cal"