I like to use a small amount of medical lube (Like KY) Make sure you get the water soluble type that doesn't harm rubber. That way there's always plenty of lube to prevent any damage during the install, and it dissolves as soon as water hits it.
As far as the twisting goes, since the drive shaft always turns in the same direction whether going forward or reverse it really doesn't matter. Just twist the shaft in the proper direction that the engine turns in normally.
Hint: I like to observe my engine cranking to see what direction it's turning in, then I use an engraver to mark an arrow on the water pump housing pointing in the direction the shaft turns. That way I'm never confused about which direction to twist the shaft when installing a new impeller.
__________________
1987 V20 w/1987 150HP Yamaha on a Shoreland'r Trailer
1978 16.5 Airslot w/1996 120HP Force on a Four Winns trailer
1996 V21 w/1993 200HP Mercury on a Shoreline Trailer
All towed by a 5.7L Hemi Durango.
If God didn't have a purpose for us we wouldn't be here, so
Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.
(Leave the rest to God) 
Silence, in the face of evil, is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act. God will not hold us guiltless.
|