Lower End Removal on Johnson 55EL79

[SWeatherly]

Trying to get the lower end off a 1979 Johnson 55 hp Seahorse and it gets to a point and stops. Scared to force it off and break something. Please advise!

The reason I am taking it off: doesn't seem the water pump is working correctly because there's no water coming out of the relief tube out the top. Trying to replace the water pump even though it's probably just the impeller.

Thanks!

 

[F_R]

Have you disconnected the shift rod? It's a pin at the top, below the lower carburetor.

 

[racerone]

Removing the starter makes it easier.