Put in Gear to drop lower unit?

[BlueBeast]

I need to replace my impeller on my 1976 Seahorse. Do I need to put the engine in forward or reverse to drop the lower unit? Does it make it easier?

 

[Daviet]

Re: Put in Gear to drop lower unit?

Depends on horse power, some it's easier to put it in gear to expose the shift connector, others it doesn't need to be in gear.
What's your model number?

 

[BlueBeast]

Re: Put in Gear to drop lower unit?

55EL76E 55hp

 

[Daviet]

Re: Put in Gear to drop lower unit?

Shouldn't have to put it in gear, unless it exposes the linkage under the carbs to make it easier to disconnect.