I have a 2001 9.9hp merc. I need to change the impeller on it (first time) and I want to make sure that I understand the assembly manual before I dive into it. The manual says to shift it into forward gear, remove the shift shaft retainer, remove the reverse lock actuator. and then remove the three bolts at the foot. Next I replace the impeller. Now for my question...........the manual says that when putting it all back together that you need to make sure that the shift shaft linkage is in "forward gear position". How am I supposed to know if it is in the forward gear position"? The manual says that after I do this I should place the gear housing in neutral. Are they talking about placing the tiller handle in the neutral position? Once I have done all of this, the manual also says to place a 1/4 inch diameter bead of RTV sealer on water pump base. Do they want me to put it all along the bottom edge of the water pump? <br /><br />Sorry for all of the questions, but I figure that it's better to ask them before I start taking things apart.
