Hello,<br /><br />I had a thread earlier about this motor, that I got running and runs like a top now. While I still have a nagging little voice in the back of my head saying, "if it ain't broke don't fix it", I am about to try to replace the impeller just because it hasn't been done in years (ever?).<br /><br />Background: I had it in the shop and the mechanics got the lower unit off about one-half inch before it stuck. They said that it could be risky to force it because it could pull the stuck shaft (shift or drive, I forget) out of the lower unit and require a complete LU rebuild. So I had them stop and nothing has been done since, except for a couple hours of making wakes on Puget Sound. 
<br /><br />Here are my specific Q's:<br /><br />1) I bought a Napa impeller kit for $17. Is this OK, or should I get a factory Mercury part/kit? I didn't get the pump kit for $65 because I didn't figure I'd need housing parts - is this correct?<br /><br />2) When I start dropping the lower unit, I expect resistance at one-half inch. I am making some hardwood wedges to drive in and work the thing open. Is this likely to be successful? Anybody have a better idea?<br /><br />3) My manual says to remove the prop. The mechanics also said the same thing about the prop - it was stuck and forcing it was risky and might damage something. Is it necessary to remove the prop to drop the lower unit? Or does it just make it easier to get at bolts, or protect the prop from damage or something?<br /><br />4) When I get to the point where I'm gently persuading this motor apart, can I see the shift shaft and drive shaft? It looks like the shift shaft wants to stay with the motor and the drive shaft wants to stay with the lower unit - is this correct or do I have it backwards? Which shaft was my mechanic saying I could pull out of the wrong end, and which is the wrong end? If there is room, can I tightly clamp a pair of vise-grips on that shaft and try to pry above or below it to keep it where it belongs? <br /><br />5) I am a professional remodeler in Seattle. I am much more handy with wood, doors, plumbing, wiring, etc than I am with machinery. Are any of you experienced motor guys located in my area, and would you consider trading mechanical work for carpentry?<br /><br />I'm trying to anticipate all the questions I will have when I try this on Saturday, but I'm sure more will come up. Thanks for all the help.
<br /><br />Here are my specific Q's:<br /><br />1) I bought a Napa impeller kit for $17. Is this OK, or should I get a factory Mercury part/kit? I didn't get the pump kit for $65 because I didn't figure I'd need housing parts - is this correct?<br /><br />2) When I start dropping the lower unit, I expect resistance at one-half inch. I am making some hardwood wedges to drive in and work the thing open. Is this likely to be successful? Anybody have a better idea?<br /><br />3) My manual says to remove the prop. The mechanics also said the same thing about the prop - it was stuck and forcing it was risky and might damage something. Is it necessary to remove the prop to drop the lower unit? Or does it just make it easier to get at bolts, or protect the prop from damage or something?<br /><br />4) When I get to the point where I'm gently persuading this motor apart, can I see the shift shaft and drive shaft? It looks like the shift shaft wants to stay with the motor and the drive shaft wants to stay with the lower unit - is this correct or do I have it backwards? Which shaft was my mechanic saying I could pull out of the wrong end, and which is the wrong end? If there is room, can I tightly clamp a pair of vise-grips on that shaft and try to pry above or below it to keep it where it belongs? <br /><br />5) I am a professional remodeler in Seattle. I am much more handy with wood, doors, plumbing, wiring, etc than I am with machinery. Are any of you experienced motor guys located in my area, and would you consider trading mechanical work for carpentry?<br /><br />I'm trying to anticipate all the questions I will have when I try this on Saturday, but I'm sure more will come up. Thanks for all the help.