All done. That was the right location for the shifter disconnect. What was weird though…No water through the pee hole, there was no debris of any kind in the impellor housing. The impeller was still intact. If I blew air through the water intake, I would get air at the exhaust on the back of the lower unit. but not out of the pee hole. If I put air in through the pee hole I would get air at the exhaust vent and at the water inlet. I restarted (with water running) and had water at the pee hole. strange. There was no debris that came out of anywhere. I’m wondering if the cooling system just needed to be burped or primed…I dunno. But I now have a steady stream of water, and a new impeller. and it was only $18 and 40 minutes time.

I’m happy.

Itried removing the lower unit on my ’86 25hp. I can get it down about 4 inches, but it seems there is a rod at the forward part of the unit that is attached somewhere. I can’t get the lower unit all the way off. Is there a trick? It seems to be the shifter shaft and goes up through the botton of the cowl and attaches to a swivel point on the forward port side of the motor. pics would be helpful if you have them. I dont want to force anything and break it.

thanks!