Folks,

Can someone verify the following statement:

When looking "down" on to the drive shaft towards the lower unit (this would be like you are standing on the boat transom looking down into the water), the drive shaft rotates clockwise when in drive.

I've read Sherm's waterpump replacement thread here on the Forum (which says to rotate the shaft clockwise when pushing down on the housing) and I've scoured the web, and strangely its not covered in the 250XS Shop Manual as far as can find.

I replaced the impeller, and what is strange is that when I look at parts diagrams like this one:

Mercury Mariner Racing 250XS (3.0L DFI) Gear Housing(Driveshaft)(Torque Master) Parts

The impeller in this picture would indicate the shaft must rotate counter-clockwise, which is NOT correct as far as I can tell. I get a great water pressure so I assume I've got it right.

What would really be helpful to many folks that are installing the impeller for the first time would be a picture of the waterpump housing with the impeller installed in it, shown the direction the impeller arms should be bent upon installation.

Thanks!