Changing Water Pump on 1996 150 HP 2-stroke

[doyle007]

I have a 1996 150hp 2-stroke. According to a friend, it is model 1150422SD. It is a new engine for me, and I am about to change the water pump and impeller.

Now, I have a SELOC manual, but it is basically useless for my question. It says for 2.5 or 3.3 hp engines to place the gear shift in Neutral. It then says for 4 or 5 hp engines to place the gear shift in Reverse. By the time it gets to the 6-15 hp and above engines, it just says to remove the lower unit. That's it, nothing else about what to do as far as putting the engine into forward, neutral, or reverse.

So, what's the best way to do it?

Thanks.

[boats.net]

I put them in reverse because so I can turn prop to align drive shaft splines when reinstalling gearcase.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

in gear is better so u can idex the crankshaft