Re: 96 150 Off shore Merc shift shaft removal
I have the same exact engine. I just did my water pump (replaced everything...base assembly, impeller, gaskets, and pump housing). It is really easy once you do it the first time.
Anyway, I can tell you from experience, make sure that when you put the lower unit back onto the motor, you get the shift link thingy (not sure the proper named, but it is just behind the main bolt at the very front (bow side) of the lower unit on top (right next to the speedometer tube). I didn't get this lined up last year, even though everything went together without any gaps. I was dropped off by a friend, the motor was idling, and he left. About ten minutes later, I went to put it in gear, and nothing. My friend came back, and he said that I had not lined up the shift link.
When I reinstall my lower unit later this week, I'll put the boat in neutral after everything is reassembled, spin the prop, and then have someone put the boat in gear as the prop is spinning. The prop should stop spinning once the boat goes in gear. This is a simple check to make sure that I got everything lined up properly.
Good luck.
