Mechanical gearcase (as far as I know)<br /><br />I am taking apart the lower unit (water in gear oil / metal on magnetic screw ). I have the manual (clymers) and have follwed the instructions. I am up to the pinion nut removal / prop shaft removal stage.<br /><br />Prop, propshaft bearing housing, etc. are off.<br /><br />Reverse gear, washers, etc. are out.<br /><br />Shift lever cover is off.<br /><br />Upper drivershaft bearing housing is off.<br /><br />Propeller shaft is in.<br /><br />Pinion nut is on but loosened.<br /><br />Gear shift lever is still in and in forward.<br /><br />So, here's the problem:<br /><br />I can't get the pinion nut or gear out as the manual instructs, as the propeller shaft is in the way, although I was able to loosen the nut.<br />I even had the nut off of the threads, but the shift dog is in the way of letting the pinion nut come all the way out.<br /><br />I have tried removing the propeller shaft without any luck. I have tried moving shift lever / push and pull on propeller shaft in everay combination but propeller shaft will not come out. It moves an inch or so out, but hits something and won't come out.<br /><br />1) Do I have to remove propeller shaft before removing the pinion nut and gear?<br /><br />2) If so, how do I get it out?<br /><br />3) How does pinion gear come off of driver shaft (slides off after removal of nut / threaded on / other)?<br /><br />The clymer's manual says to remove pinion nut and gear before removing propeller shaft, but I don't see how to get it out.<br /><br />I hope I have posted all of the details. Any advice would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks.
