How to keep shift shaft from falling out during shift bushing swap?

[matt167]

I pressure tested my old Merc 650 lower unit and only the shift shaft seals are leaking. Now I plan on getting the correct tool and a new bushing assembly with a new seal and oring right on it, rather than just a new seal and oring because it will be quicker with less chance of bad things happening. What is the best way to make sure the shaft does not pull out while spinning the bushing off with a ratchet or impact?

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: How to keep shift shaft from falling out during shift bushing swap?

It will stay in place after it is unscrewed, just apply finger on top of shaft when removing bushing it so it doesnt lift shaft out of shift cam..

 

[matt167]

Re: How to keep shift shaft from falling out during shift bushing swap?

Cool, that's what I thought but wanted to make sure

Also, what is the best way to remove a stuck impeller?. I was looking thru the old tool catalogs and found an impeller puller, so I was reluctant to just grab a pair of water pump pliers.