1987 Mercury Classic 50 45 hp impeller

[cb@neo.rr.com]

I have an old 1987 Mercury Classic 50 45 hp that runs great. At the end of this season I am planning to change out the impeller myself. Most of the tutorials I have watched so far are pretty straightforward. Only issue I have noticed is that there doesn't seem to be an explanation of how to disconnect the drive linkage. On all videos I've seen they disconnect the linkage just above the lower unit by loosening a jam nut and disconnecting the above longer nut from the all thread linkage. No where on my Merc is this type connection on the drive linkage. Not to mention a large enough space to access the drive linkage with two open end wrenches to accomplish this. I'm hoping someone is familiar with this old motor and can give me some insight on where and how to disconnect the drive linkage to drop the lower unit. Thanks in advance for any suggestions

 

[racerone]

Shift shaft is splined.----No tools required.

 

[BWR1953]

My 1985 50HP 4 cylinder doesn't have that external linkage either. Just an alignment tube inside for the splined shift shaft.

 

[BrianVT]

Subscribing because I need to do mine also.