If your outboard has a tilt and trim unit exercise the release valve periodically. Just trim motor up and flip down the storage latch and back out the release valve a couple/3 turns then tighten it back up. That's it, done. I would do this every 6 months.

I just totally rebuilt my 14 year old T@T unit on one of my rigs. Getting the release valve out was a job because it was never "Exercised" . What a PITA, I had to drill into it and use a EZout, kroll and a torch to get it out.

What type/brand/hp is your motor?

To be honest, I don't know where the release valve is on my 90hp four stroke Yamaha.

I will have to do some research to find it and see if I can loosen and tighten it.

Engine? '03 J50PLSTD Johnson.

Look in the hole on the port motor mount. See the cir-clip and slot for a screwdriver? That's it.

I say leave it alone.

I say exercise it yearly at least. If mine had been it would not have been stuck.

Saltwater?