Lower unit install question

[EDEERNET]

I just changed my water pump on my 250 OX66......Do I need to put the shifter in gear (forward) or leave it in neutral whan I put the lower unit back on? I also want to thank banditbasser for posting the pics on how to do this.....without that post I would not have even tried to attempt this myself

[spider1]

The shifter has to be in the same gear as the lower unit. I like to pull the lower with it in forward and that make it easier to install. With both in forward (or reverse) you can turn the prop shaft to line the drive shaft spines with the motor so you can push it into place.

After you have it in place and before you bolt it all up make sure that it will shift properly.

[21XDC]

I leave both in "N"... A trick is you may use needlenose pliers to wiggle the shift shaft for the LU to slip on the last 1/4 inch.

[EDEERNET]

I took it off with the shifter in neutral......How can I tell if the lower unit is in gear or not?

[spider1]

Turn the prop shaft, if the drive shaft turns with it then it is in gear if not then it is in neutral.

[21XDC]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by EDEERNET &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I took it off with the shifter in neutral......How can I tell if the lower unit is in gear or not?</td></tr></table>

This is why I use "N"... when you turn the LU shifter back and fourth, there are 3 positions... The middle is "N".

[spider1]

Why would you ever move the shift shaft after you remove the lower unit just to change the water pump? One twist of the prop shaft will let you know which gear it is in if you would for some reason move it.
No mater what position it was in when you dropped the lower it should still be in that position when you go to reinstall it. With it in gear you can turn the prop shaft that will help the drive shaft line up and mate with the motor splines.