2001 Mercury Mariner 50-60HP Factory Service Manual, Page 46Get this manual
GENERAL INFORMATION
4-14 In(108mm) Diameter Gear Case
WARNING
If the propeller shaft is rotated while the engine is in gear, there is the possibility that the engine will crank over and startTo prevent this type of accidental engine starting and possible serious injury caused from being struck by rotating propeller, always shift outboard to neutral position and remove spark plug leads when you are servicing the propeller1Shift outboard to neutral (N) position2Remove the spark plug leads to prevent engine from starting
3Straighten the bent tabs (a) on the propeller nut retainer4Place block of wood between gear case and propeller to hold propeller and remove propeller nutPull propeller straight off shaft5Coat the propeller shaft with Quicksilver or Mercury Precision Lubricants Anti-Corrosion Grease or 2-4-C Marine Lubricant with TeflonIMPORTANT: To prevent the propeller hub from corroding and seizing to the propeller shaft, especially in salt water, always apply coat of the recommended lubricant to the entire propeller shaft at the recommended maintenance intervals and also each time the propeller is removed