Water Pump Change 72 Evinrude 50 Hydro-Shift. Tips and Experience???

[steamin53]

I'm going to change the water pump on a 72 Evinrude 50hp hydro-shift unit. As I understand it there is a harness running in the lower housing to the gear case. I'm not certain where I disconnect in the engine cowling area. Also I would appreciate any tips regarding the procedure that might help me avoid disaster. I do have an electonic scan of the appropriate manual which looks like it might be a Clymer but I'm not sure it is comprehensive enough. For example, it doesn't mention disconnecting the shift harness before dropping the lower unit.

PS the local shop estimates $278 to do this job. Sounds rather high to me. What say you?

Please advise.

Steve

[tashasdaddy]

i would charge you that much, on that motor. you have to be extremely careful with the wires to the lower unit. they are going to be brittle. that is why we do not recommend Clymer manuals. the connection for the shift harness is on the starboard side, you have to knock out the rubber grommet, tie a string to the wires, when you reinstall use the string to pull the wire back up, and grommet has to seal. do not let the harness rub against the drive shaft or exhaust tube. if the harness is damaged they are very rare, or impossible to find.