One more water pump question

[Livinshallow]

I have a 2002 40 hp 3 cyl merc that I am trying to change out the water pump. I have the 4 bolts removed and tab bolts but the lower unit will not come off. It is separated but I believe the shift rod is retaining it. My manual is for an older 40 and it states it should just fall out. Just above the lower unit in plain view the drive shaft has two nuts on it, I wonder if this is where it separates? Any help please! By the way I do have a new manual on the way but I'm very impatient.

 

[ncfish1]

Re: One more water pump question

I believe you should have 5 nuts plus the two tab end bolts. Check at the front of the lower unit for the 5th nut?
Possibly don't have on the 40hp, but most have the front front bolt/nut.

 

[andy6374]

Re: One more water pump question

Don't know for sure, but....

I thought on some of the newer smaller hp mercs that the shift shaft was connected under the carbs (like OMCs) and the pin or bolt needs to be removed before dropping the L/U.

Maybe not, worth a check though.