Re: 1971 7.5 Mercury Impeller Stuck
You'll need to split the brass insert that the rubber of the impeller is bonded to. A very sharp, thin putty knife or thin-bladed screwdriver, sharpened to a chisel-point, should be able to split it. Then you'll be able to drive a tool between the insert and the driveshaft in order to loosen it enough to get it out.<br /><br />BTW the driveshaft is perfectly centered in the lower unit, it's the impeller cup that's offset. This offset is required in order for the impeller vanes to compress on one side and expand on the other, causing pumping action.<br /><br />Besides a new impeller, your impeller key is likely to be buggered-up by the above process, so you might as well pick up one of those, too. Plus an o-ring for the driveshaft where it enters the crankshaft. Check the stainless insert in the pump body, and the stainless pump plate, for wear and replace as necessary.<br /><br />Check the other portions of this site for good FAQ and info on replacing your pump and performing other types of maintenance.<br /><br />HTH and G'luck......ed