Hi, I have an old Evinrude 8hp that has been sitting in the garage for about 10 years.
I cleaned the carb (looked spotless) and would like to replace the water pump impeller.

I am having trouble getting the lower unit off.

I have removed the three screws holding it in place as well as the plate under the carb and the top pinion gear. I can see the bottom pinion gear for the shift rod where the plate was removed. Does this other pinion gear need to be removed somehow also?

All bolts came out easily and the lower unit is lose but will not pull down. It seems like either the drive shaft and/or shift rod are holding it still. I would appreciate assistance from anyone that knows how to remove it. I tried tapping down the lower unit with a hard rubber mallet and it did not help.
thank you,,,