How to replace 1968 Johnson water pump

[Heated]

I have been an auto mechanic for 25 years. Trying to pull the lower gear housing apart of my 1968 Johnson outboard motor (20 hp) to get at the water pump housing and impeller because I noticed water was not coming out exhaust port in back of engine while running. Gear housing will not separate from the upper engine housing. What is the trick? Took out all lower gear housing bolts, and the housing has dropped down but will not come off. Did not remove prop or anything in the lower unit. Could someone please tell me how to get it apart so I can replace the water pump impeller?

[wideide]

is there an oval shaped plat aboat half way up the leg take it off inside you will see shift rod with a conactor with two bolts diconect should come free be carfull puting back togther if you dont line up in grove on rods youll stripp the bolts and connector really fast $16 for a new conector