1994 Force 40HP water pump change question

[rfine76]

Little help Please
I have a 1994 Force (by Mercury Marine) 40HP I am wanting to change water pump impeller in. I have the lower unit off and on the bench - question is does the brass retainer on the top of the driveshaft below the splines come off (I have tried to remove and afraid to shatter the brass retainer). Or does the driveshaft lift out of the lower gearcase to change impeller?
Thanks in advance

 

[tater76]

Re: 1994 Force 40HP water pump change question

It has to be slid up and off the shaft. I use a pair of large pliers set to the diameter of the shaft. Put them around the shaft just underneath the ring, take a hammer and gently tap the pliers up. It should not take too much effort. Make sure you dont gall the shaft with the pliers. I am sure all of us have different means of doing this, but my method works for me.