[willy]

And on top of what Air said put some lube on the starter shaft, my Mercury did that and it was because it was dry and stuck, stop at a shop and pick up the right kind of lube, I forget what they called it.
Also on the power tilt and trim have you checked the fluid levels, low levels will cause just what you had. Also have you checked for any leaking around the seals or for fluid under the unit?