Mercury Mariner 200, 225 Optimax Outboards Service Manual, 90-855348, Page 383Get this manual
bTorque the propeller nutto 451bin(5.0 Nm)Rotate the drive shaft full turns in clockwise direction and retorque the propeller nut to 45 lbin(5.0 Nm)2Install dial indicator and align the dial indicator pointer so that it is perpendicular to and touching the "I" mark on the dial indicator toolTighten the indicator tool onto the drive shaft and rotate the drive shaft so that the needle in the dial makes at least one full revolution and comes to "0" on the dial indicator scale If backlash is not as indicated, gear case is not properly assembled or parts are excessively worn and must be replaced before returning gear case to service5Loosen the backlash indicator tool and remove the propeller nut, washer and pinion nut adaptorRemove the dial indicator and all its mounting componentsDo not remove the bearing preload toolThe following instructions give specific instructions for its removal
Drive ShaftBearing Preload Tool
REMOVAL