Shift Rod is all that is holding Lower Unit??

[Grant123]

I have a 1982 60hp Japanese made Mariner 2 cyl 2 stroke. I am trying to repace the impeller but my manual is not great. I have removed the 4 external bolts, the bolt for the trim tab and the bolt underneath the trim tab. The lower unit is moving but somehow it is still connected at the opposite end from the prop. I am not sure how to disconnect the gear shift - I think this is the only thing holding the LU to the motor. Any tips?

 

[Laddies]

Re: Shift Rod is all that is holding Lower Unit??

Grant, I just checked in a parts manual and your shift shaft is spined much like a mercury, so it should just pull out. http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show....png&inbr=704&bnbr=17&bdesc=GEARHOUSING+***'Y On occasion's they get stuck, you can tell if that's the problem by getting someone to move the unit up and down as you watch the upper shift shaft under the carb, if the two move in relationship with one another it's the shaft holding it. We first try a good penetrating oil squirting it up the shafts from the bottom and if that don't work try to heat the coupling. The court of last resort is to pry the unit down with a wide pry bar with enough force to pop the retaining ring (item #11) down the shaft leaving the two shafts joined once the unit is off you can get at the shaft with heat and get it off. The down side it the unit will need to be disassembled to put the shaft back in. While prying use judgment as you will be prying on aluminum and it will crack easily. I hope this is some help.