changing impeller on 96 8 hp Mercury

[Dersu]

I have an 8 hp 96 Mercury. I loosened the bolts on the lower unit to get to the impeller. The unit drops down about 6-8 inches and then gets hung up. Something on the shaft that goes up into the motor seems to be catching. What am I doing wrong? Any help will be appreciated.

 

[sxmerc]

Re: changing impeller on 96 8 hp Mercury

You need to disconnect the shift shaft. Look under the carb, right up against the engine block. There should be a small pastic latch that needs to be unsnapped, and removed.