How to disconnect 50 hp mariner outboard lower unit shift linkage ?

Question

1993 mariner outboard need to change the water impeller, i loosened the bolts to drop the lower unit, but can't figure out where to disconnect the shift linkage. not getting any play in the lower unit housing either, should i try to break loose with a mallet? it has probably never been done.

Answer 1

There is usually a hidden bolt either under the steering zinc or hidden behind a rubber cap. This is the most common error in trying to remove a lower unit. Once you find this last bolt, the unit should pull straight out. No need to disconnect linkage, it is a splined shaft.