1975 70hp lower unit stuck wont seperate

[dfgtye]

I purchased a 1975 70hp in pretty good shape , to put on a pontoon. Starts and runs great. Before I put it on the boat I want to replace the water impeller as the prior owner had no idea when it was last changed. Removed 6 bolts and the bolt connecting the shift rod. I cant get the lower unit to separate. Tried tapping a shim in the front and back, but the unit wont budge. Wacked it hard with a rubber mallet while tapping the prop whill in gear. I think it must be the drive shaft that is stuck in the engine. Anyone have a way to free this up.

 

[Chinewalker]

By six bolts, you actually mean seven, correct? Once you remove the bolt that holds the tab in place, there's another recessed up in the cavity.

 

[dfgtye]

8 total. 6 bolts holding the lower unit. one 1/2 under the trim tab, one 5/8 forward of the trim tab, four 9/16 , (2 on either side) . One bolt holding the trim tab and one bolt holding the shift rod. All removed.

 

[bonz_d]

Sometimes the splines corrode inside the crank and if it's been a long time since it was removed last it could be stuck tight. Suggest rubber mallet, dead blow hammer and wood wedges. Also try blocking the prop and turning the flywheel back and forth.