I think Amuller is right. It is a gas/hydraulic lift assist. The little lever would have locked it up or down, after it was lifted or lowered. I don’t think I have ever seen one, because any Mercury I have ever worked on in that size had true electric power trim. If it is like OMC’s similar concept units, when they loose their internal pressure charge, you just throw them away. If this is a motor you want to save, I’m sure you can find a used PTT unit that will fit.
Long live American manufacturing!
