2001 Bigfoot 50hp shift shaft help question

[72 Fury]

It's my first time ever removing a lower unit. The videos I've found look different for the shift shaft. The pictures show this one and I need to know how to disconnect so we can swap the impeller. I'll see if I can embed the images later

 

[Bobbywolf]

There should be a disconnect on the shift shaft part way down the leg of the motor if it does not disconnect at the top (which your's does not seem to). Yours likely has a long nut and a check nut. Back off the check nut, and then you can spin the long nut to disconnect the shaft. Make sure the lower unit is supported, or atleast partially bolted up before you do this or it will drop unexpectedly.

 

[72 Fury]

This is what the lower part looks like. https://imgur.com/gallery/r9tpE
I was looking for a nut like you are talking about but I just don't see it. We are going back to look at it shortly. Thanks for any help.

 

[72 Fury]

It was actually very simple. There weren't any nuts on the shift shaft, it simply pulls out.

According to the service manual, which we got ahold of, you just put the boat in forward and just pull the lower unit apart and it comes out. Hope his helps someone else struggling.

 

[72 Fury]

By the way, anyone else with the overheating alarm at WOT, try replacing your impeller. What we found was one gasket was partially missing and the blades of the impeller we're not all in the same direction plus there's a little dry rot

Thanks for the help