If your a big guy like many of us and your engine compartment is very cramped, it can take you 2 hrs just to get yourself back out of the bilge.

HA, well I did experience that with the drain plugs, I felt like I had to do a handstand to get those things in and out. The accessories on this are fairly easy to reach though, shouldn't be too bad.

One of the local dealers had an impeller kit, hopefully the housing is in decent shape. The guy at the parts counter told me I could just lubricate it with dish soap when I installed it.... does that sound right?

Yes

If the impellar is missing pieces you need to go find them. Typical places are in the inlet to the coolers. ie:stuck in frt of the small tubes.

When you change your oil for seasonal layup, make sure you start and run the engine for a bit.

If you don't the only part of the engine that receives the benefits of new oil is the pan.

Ken

OIl every year(VR1), impeller every 5 or more. One lasted over 20 yrs and 2000 hours..They are not as wimpy as most think.

^^^^Yup, have a few boats here that are on original impellars. One's a 1994 and the other I believe is a 1990 ? Known the boats since new. I ask every spring and I keep getting the old 'temp is fine, don't worry about' answer. LOL.

My 3 boats get new impellers every 2 years. I have a box of "like new" impellers for all 3. Just in case I ever need one...

I use Mercruiser semi syn 25W-40 in the 4 cycle engines changed 25 hrs for the 525s and 50 hrs for the 350 mag. Mercury Premium Plus semi syn outboard oil in the 2 cycles. No oil problem. Ever.

Mercury High Performance gear lube in all 5 outdrives annually.

Hours range from 270 to 340 on the inboards and 500 on the outboards. No service issues on engines or outdrives.

Well, here is what is left of my impeller: