Yamaha outdrive questions.
 

I have a friend with a Yamaha outdrive (1989) behind 454 BBC.
1) Can he run it with the exhaust bellow removed?
2) It has a Shurwood belt driven raw water pump, after impeller rebuild does it need to be primed to operate correctly?
Thanks in advance for the help.

That would be the Hydradrive by Yamaha actually a really good drive,

I would use if all possible the exhaust sleeve tube that Mercruiser uses for the bravo app for the Yamaha. I would not run without some sort of exhaust bellows for long periods of time for a couple reasons.

When installing a new impeller it is best use a light coating all the way around with a water base lube even water base K Y works or even a ton of spit if you are in pinch. We use Glycerin for all Impellers installs and internals of the impeller housing.

It is best if all possible to start the engine / drive in a big tub of water or on the trailer backed down at the lake.

Thank you, somehow I knew it would come to you with the answers. Info relayed.
Thanks again