Ok well I have been able to get back to this project after the parts washer got fixed. I was able to disassemble everything and clean and reassemble the mid section of the motor. Then I went over to the lower unit after scratching my head for a while on how to make a tool to remove the plate covering the impeller it finally hit me. I took the center out of my puller and slid it over the prop shaft and then inserted appropriately sized two drill bits into the holes then just tapped it out with a hammer. Worked like a charm. The impeller seems to be in good condition, along with everything else, so I think I will just run with it. My next question is the piece that is behind the impeller has two holes that are similar but they are threaded. Does this piece get pressed in or is it threaded in like the other plate? I am just trying to figure out if I need to pull it out or unscrew it. If I had to guess I need to pull it. Also once I have cleaned everything in the lower unit what type of lube do these little guys take?
I am also going to need to buy some of the exhaust gaskets for this motor that tore when I took it apart. Anyone have a good source for those? Or should I just take the time to make them myself?
Thank you all for the help, with this being my first "old" merc there has been a bit of a learning curve
