[macojoe]

I am the least negtive person here!! I have gone and done some things that no one should do!!

But I hate to see all this work done only for you to find out that the motor is junk when you start it!!

As for not starting the motor in the up position, What Nut case told you that??

so what you are telling me is that when you are using the motor in the water you will never beable to lift the engin to trim it cause somethig will break.
I had my I/O up and started and down and with no out drive attached at all!
Start it there will be no problem!!

As for the water pump, Just that you said it has sat around for awhile and you are doind all this work, Youdon't want the thing to start run and the pump be dead. It is a cheap easy fix and one less thing you have to worry aboout when you do get things going.

Ok I don't want you to cry that I am picking on you any more, just trying to help you!

Good Luck