How Do You Remove the Shift Lever/Shaft Assembly from the Exhaust Housing

[brokenjack]

I have a 1976 25HP 25602 Evinrude outboard. I have removed the power head and the linkage to the shift rod. Should the assembly just pull out? Didn't want to force anything until I know for sure. The lever and shaft assembly are hard to move back and forth.

 

[F_R]

Re: How Do You Remove the Shift Lever/Shaft Assembly from the Exhaust Housing

Yes. It will be hard to pull out for the same reason it is hard to shift.....corrosion build-up around the shaft.