Removing Lower unit on a 1970 Chrysler 20hp?

[pwilke]

Tried to find a post on this but couldn't. Trying to check out the impeller on this 20hp 1970 Wards Sea king made by Chrysler. I removed the lower units 4 bolts but the lower would not drop. I could see that the shift shaft was holding it up. What is the proper way of dis/engaging the shift shaft so the lower will drop? thanks for any info. Motor is a VWB27020A.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Removing Lower unit on a 1970 Chrysler 20hp?

Same as on the bigger engines. Remove the shroud if it hides the shift rod. There is a double ended hex coupler joining the two shafts. Note the position and loosen the locknut then spin off the coupler.