Help changing impeller

[Ronniewhite]

I have a 2000 Johnson 25hp 3cylinder. I changed the thermostat. The motor gets hot then when I turn the throttle up a bit it cools right off. I have the nut separated behind the Finns. I have the six bolts out out three on each side. The lower unit slides down about a foot then stops. I can't get it to come all the way off. What am I doing wrong?

 

[Ronniewhite]

So I think I no what is happening. We're I separated the 2 nuts on the shift rod the top nut is supposed to have a little black rubber at the bottom of it but it doesn't it looks like it's inside the bottom nut. So how do I get the top nut off the shift rod? I think this is why I can't the lower unit to come all the way off.

 

[racerone]

Clean paint on upper shift rod.----Slide nut up.----Remove expensive little keeper.----It is split.-----Remove lower unit.

 

[Ronniewhite]

Thank you I will try that out tomorrow.