How do i take out upper gear in a 1988 omc cobra 2.3 sterndrive ,?

Question

gear lock up can't get cover nut off to let bearing and shaft slide out

Answer 1

your shift mechanism is in the lower unit of a cobra . to remove the upper gear you have to have the outdrive off .There are 4 bolts to remove behind the universal joints . once their removed the horizontal upper gear along with the upper drive shaft and universals will come out as one unit, beyond the gear is a smaller shaft that sticks out that turns the water pump. You may want to have a mechanic replace it as the shims need to be correct for the gears  to mesh right .

Answer 2

u cant