I've got a '71 merc 50hp that's got some gear shifting issues - I got the manual the other day and I've run into a problem removing the water pump base.<br /><br />I've got the rest of the water pump removed, and the manual talks about removing the flushing screw - don't see one. so it goes on to say "late model lower units have a threaded hole provided in the water pump base" - I do see a hole, and when using the suggested 10-24 screw to remove the pump base, all the screw did was spin in place.<br /><br />the motor has been sitting for about 7 years and the gasket between the base and the face plate was pretty much in pieces - any suggestions on how to get that base out? thanks in advance.
