Its an easy job on the older Mercs but don't know about the Optimax.
No issues, and love the motor. However, I am going to put a new impeller in it (as a preventative measure), and haven't done one before, as my old boat mechanic guy has passed. I consider myself "mechanically inclined", but also humble enough to take advice or tricks before I start! ANY VERBAL TRICKS OR HINTS? I know that boat motors are a different breed than other vehicles, and that always makes me a little skiddish....
Its an easy job on the older Mercs but don't know about the Optimax.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Bill H. PTC USN Ret
Chesapeake, Va
Google it.
On the Opti`s replace all the gaskets including the one under the plate.
Watch a few on YouTube, even if unrelated to your motor. I found that most are similar with size being different. My 150 made me wish I’d waited for someone to help reinstall, the joker was heavy. Be sure to leave it in gear, I remember reverse, so that you can move the shaft by turning the prop during reinstalling.
Creativity is just intelligence fooling around