Use a screw starter and have it handy with the screw ready to be installed. Makes it alot easier and helps keep the spillage down. Remember the washer!!

I prefer to fill completely from the bottom hole, till lube just enters the bottle. Then top it off at the bottle after the level settles down.

I also slide the full old oil bucket out of the way and slide a empty clean bucket when I do the fast draw plug and washer install, so if it drops it is right there. Also if it drops I do the dutch boy thing with my finger until I get the washer and plug picked up reassembled and positioned in my fat little fingers. Oh and I do it with the boat on the lift while squating on top of a floating platform just to hone my three ring circus skills.

Thanks to Boat Teck and US1 Fountain!, I was having a heck of a time getting the threads to start on the adapter for the hand pump, then I remembered "Boat Teck" saying it was easier if you pulled that zinc plate off, I was a little leary when I undid the 2 bolts and popped the plate off the entire lower unit would fall out as well!, ha ha!, but, it didn't and the adapter threaded in there like butter!, Thanks!

When I put the plug back in I had my Father at the ready with the screw starter, as soon as I pulled the adapter out he stuck the screw in, it worked great, we lost MAYBE an ounce or two of oil!, Thanks US FOUNTAIN!!

Quick question, when I re installed the prop there was a brass/bronze plate that was the last thing on the prop shaft before the actual lower unit housing, its "flat" on one side and bevelved with a smaller "inner" circle on the other, I installed this with the "flat" side again the unit and the "stepped" one against the prop, is this right?, again, Thanks!

Yes it sounds like you installed it right. did you get the prop on tight. I use a block of wood between a blade and the cav plate on the drive, and crank it down and match up one of the 6 fingers on the lock and push down 3 of them. No problem glad I could help you out.

I used a 1/2 drive ratchet and got it pretty tight, do you happen to know the torque spec?, if so, I will torque it to the required amount, I have good Torque wrenches here, Thanks again!