Lower Unit Guidance

[Nightbrew]

Guys, I need some help.  Trying to get my dad's old boat going again and I'm trying to get the lower unit off to replace the impeller.  1990 25hp Merc short shaft.  Got the 4 bolts out just fine, but the shift shaft has me stumped.  I can't see anywhere on the lower unit to disconnect it.  Under the cowl on the topside I see a tiny pin just where it comes into the bottom powerhead area.  That pin looks a pain to get in and out, and figured there was a better way or something that I am missing.  Can you point me in the right direction?  Thanks in advance

[snagged in outlet 3]

Bat signal to @fishinwrench

[fishinwrench]

Behind & below the carb.

It flips (snaps) up and pulls out, disconnecting the shift shaft.  There's also a stainless 40.00 washer below the reverse-lock cam that will fall off if you don't know what you're doing. 

 If that washer isn't put back in its proper place during re-installation it can lock in forward gear and cause you to crash into something.......So know what you're doing before proceeding!  

[Nightbrew]

Thanks @fishinwrench.  Do I need to have it in a certain position to release?  Neutral, reverse, forward?  I will try and mess with it this evening after work.  

[gotmuddy]

14 hours ago, Nightbrew said:

Guys, I need some help.  Trying to get my dad's old boat going again and I'm trying to get the lower unit off to replace the impeller.  1990 25hp Merc short shaft.  Got the 4 bolts out just fine, but the shift shaft has me stumped.  I can't see anywhere on the lower unit to disconnect it.  Under the cowl on the topside I see a tiny pin just where it comes into the bottom powerhead area.  That pin looks a pain to get in and out, and figured there was a better way or something that I am missing.  Can you point me in the right direction?  Thanks in advance

If I remember correctly, the mercury 25s use a pin that twists then pulls out.

[gotmuddy]

[fishinwrench]

4 hours ago, Nightbrew said:

Thanks @fishinwrench.  Do I need to have it in a certain position to release?  Neutral, reverse, forward?  I will try and mess with it this evening after work.  

Doesn't matter for removal......but it's easier to reinstall when in Fwd. 

[fishinwrench]

Here is a pic of the shift shaft.....with the powerhead removed.

 

[fishinwrench]

Shift pin

[Nightbrew]

Awesome, thanks guys.  So, that very important washer is located where all this comes together?