2001 Mercury Mariner 50-60HP Factory Service Manual, Page 383Get this manual
MANUAL TILT ASSIST
Accumulator Removal
1Place manual tilt system in soft jawed vise2Position shock rod to full up position3Open cam shaft valve (Down Position)4Loosen velocity valve enough to drip, wait until dripping stops5When fluid stops dripping, loosen and remove accumulator6If plunger can be compressed into accumulator by hand, accumulator is defectiveReplace accumulator