Upper shift shaft bushing replacement?

[nola mike]

pulled the outdrive today, noticed some water in the shift shaft cavity. also noticed the upper seal free floating on the shaft. i think i have the correct part to replace with the new style bushing. i've been looking for a how-to, but haven't seen one.
1. how do i remove the shift shaft? looks like a set screw holds the shift arm on. if that's the case, it's going to strip out and i'll need to drill it i guess
2. do i need to remove the bellhousing?
3. how do i get the old bushing out/new bushing in (esp if the bellhousing remains on?)
alpha one, gen 1 btw

 

[Bt Doctur]

1 To remove the shift arm ,remove the screw, If you cannot remove the screw, drill the arm and break it off , retain the screw. I have an extra arm I can send
2 No just the outdrive
3 Threaded rod and sockets that fit , use the threaded rod as a puller and pusher

4B-18 in here http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6B4R3.PDF

 

[Rick Stephens]

It is useful to apply a little heat to the shift arm screw. They are often locktited in. You do not need an incredible amount, just enough to soften the locktite. Make sure your screwdriver is a good fit.

 

[nola mike]

*almost* got the screw out. a few turns with heat/pb, but then it snapped. a grinder took care of the rest. i have a spare bell housing, and that arm came off no problem. saw the threaded rod solution after more googling. does the bushing get pulled into the exhaust cavity or pushed out to the u joints?
also saw that my cooling water hose is in real rough shape. that looks like a job. hopefully it can last through this season. off season might be time for some new bellows, trim senders, and hose. and maybe the v6?

 

[Rick Stephens]

The old bushing can go either way - it is the same diameter throughout its length. The new style bushings can only go up from the bottom.