Impeller help

[otter]

I have a 1996 Force 120 hp that I need to replace the impeller on. The shift rod is the splined type, according to the manual after removing the nuts and shifting into forward gear the lower unit should come right off. I am only able to get it to drop 1/2" before it hangs up. Any ideas on how to remove the unit?

[fishkisser]

Do you have a hidden nut under the zinc ...
otherwise some force (no metal hammers) is required sometimes if the drive shaft has corrosion on it ...

[otter]

I got the lower unit off and the impeller replaced however now I can't get the shift shaft to line up with the collar.:help:
Man I love working on boats:hoboy:

[teachertug]

Did you try rotating the flywheel clockwise? Is the lower unit in which ever gear the shop manual calls for? On my 90 hp, it needed forward (I think). I needed an extra pair of hands.

Eric