'03 20HP Merc impeller - started job, need advice

[lakelover]

This is pretty specific about this motor. I started to disassemble for changing the impeller with guidance of a Seloc manual. The motor has a one piece shift shaft.

On top of the shift shaft, but below the wire loop for the reverse lock rod, there is a washer that sits on a tab on the shaft. The manual cautions that the washer will most likely come off when the lower unit is removed and to be sure to retain it for reassembly. I'm hesitating to pull everything apart because I can barely see the washer as it is assembled now, let alone have any working space for a finger or even a screw driver blade to reassemble everything after the impeller is changed. I'm also concerned that it will fall down into the housing as the shift shaft is removed.

Is there some trick to this particular motor that the manual isn't mentioning?

#30 washer:

#34 loop

 

[lakelover]

Re: '03 20HP Merc impeller - figured it out - lucky day

Re: '03 20HP Merc impeller - figured it out - lucky day

Here's the answer to my problem: the manual said to put it in neutral, but in forward, I could at least see the washer. I made a tool from a plastic jug to slip under the washer as I removed the lower unit and the washer stayed where I could get it as it slipped off the shaft. The manual shouldn't say that it will most likely come off, there's no way to remove the shaft without the washer coming off. Oh well.

To put it back on after replacing the impeller, I put a dab of grease on the blade of a long narrow screw driver and stuck the washer to it. As I reinstalled the lower unit with my right hand, I was able to get the washer in place with my left. It only took a couple minutes to get it in place, that was exceptionally lucky event #1.

The second lucky thing was that I didn't have any parts left over when I was done.

The third thing was that the cloudburst held off until about one minute after I was finished and had my tools put away. What more could you ask for?

I haven't tested it yet in my barrel, but don't expect any problems. Maybe the tip will help somebody else with the same motor some time.