50 hp merc 500 two stroke, 1985. I plan to fog the engine, drain the carb bowls, etc, but as this motor almost touches the ground in the down position I plan to remove the lower unit for the winter (and change water pump while at it). Since I have to have the control box in forward gear to remove it, after removal can I move the control back to neutral and when reinstalling move it back to forward prior to reinstall? I ask as I'm not really keen on leaving the throttle plates open all winter long--critters, corrosion, etc).<br /><br />Thanks!
