'86 Mercury 75hp dropping the lower unit

[inumbskul]

I do not see a shift-rod or linkage to disconnect before unbolting this lower unit. Is it covered? Can it be as easy as YouTube makes it look to drop that unit and change a water pump?
Thanks

 

[carholme]

Re: '86 Mercury 75hp dropping the lower unit

This is the upper shift rod, item 12:

Mercury, Mercruiser, Force, etc. - BOTTOM COWL AND SHIFT LINKAGE - 75 H.P.

which connects (splines) to the lower shift rod. item 38 in this link:

Mercury, Mercruiser, Force, etc. - GEAR HOUSING (DRIVE SHAFT) - 75 H.P.

No need to disconnect anything for the shift system and you will see it clearly when you drop the LU

Gerry