Water pump questions

[38plymouth]

I'm replacing the impeller on a 1996 Evinrude 50 horse. I bought the whole water pump kit from the dealer. There are no instructions in the kit and I haven't been able to find a book locally to help me out. I don't have time to order the book because I need to do this tonight or tomorrow. I have done alot off research on the net and on this site and I'm confident I can do this myself. I did a mercruiser outdrive a few years ago and I have a shhop full of tools.

My questions are:

Should the shift lever be in neutral or forward? I think the outdrive I did had to be in forward when I did that one.

Where do I unhook the gear shift linkage?

Do I need to drain the lower unit oil?

Should I use any sealer on the gasket under the pump housing?

 

[kjdunne]

Re: Water pump questions

I have an '89 40 hp which I think is similar..

Gearshift in reverse helps getting to the bolt to disconnect the shift rod, otherwise it makes no difference for water pump repair/replacement.

The shift rod bolt is under the lower carb. Removing the electric starter gives better access.

Draining and refilling the LU oil is not necessary, but a good maintenance practice since you are working on the engine anyway.

No sealant needed on gasket.

 

[38plymouth]

Re: Water pump questions

Thank you, I actually just figured out that the shaft gets unhooked under the carb. The only reason I don't really want to change the oil is because I just changed it. It has about two hours on it.