Re: Question on water pump service
Different folks have different methods. The main thing is to ensure that the shifter splined shaft on the lower unit is aligned with the shift control (N-N or F-F). It doesn't matter which gear you use really. If you don't move either the shifter splined shaft or the control box lever during your teardown, and nothing in the teardown reinstallation requires it, you will be lined up.
Where the differences come to play is in reinstalling; the shifter shafts interconnect easily, but sometimes the drive shaft gets turned during the process and the splines don't line up with the powerhead. The LU goes together but can't finish the last 1 inch. Slow rotation of the flywheel if you use N, or the prop if you use F will allow you to complete the mate.
Ensure that your water tube is connected from the output of the water pump housing to the hole in the bottom of the block.....that connection is somewhat difficult to see as you are reinstalling the LU.
Mark
