Problem changing water pump on Johnson '86 30HP

[jpoage]

I have removed the intake covers, unscrewed the shift lever, removed the plastic part (name ?), removed one nut from a bolt and remove four screws all per instructions in new water pump box. Unfortunately I cannot get the lower unit to drop down. It appears to be holding on the end where the bolt is located. I have tried heat, pounding down on the bolt and tried to wedge to lower unit off the exhaust. I am concerned that I may have damage the unit in the process. Either it is in a bind (something still connected) or the bolt is frozen. The lower unit was off the motor about two years ago when a professional replaced a seal. I wish he had replace the water pump at that time but he said it was ok and I had already spent nearly $800. Now the motor is heating when at idle.
JimP

[Cofe]

That front 1 stud actually fits into a steel sleeve. Use good penetrating oil like pb blaster and a little heat on the stud. The stud is known to rust into the steel sleeve. Take your time, let it soak.

[Cofe]

Thought I would also mention that it is the upper half of nut and ferrell that needs to be removed on the shift linkage.

[Al-53]

When you removed the black plastic ferrel did the top nut on the shift shaft come off also....that has to come off...and you took the nut off the back stud on the rear off the lower end...the transom side...

If its the rear stud that holding you back..you just need to soak and try breaking the corrision bond...try PB blaster or CRC cold off...dont hit the stud with a hammer or you will ruin the threads...use a block of wood...

now when you free it and replace it use never seize in the stud...

don't use metal tools to try to pry it apart or you will bust the casting...use wood wedges or go to home depot and get a plastic wedge they use for cutting trees...

Al