Upper housing removal LF and FTXR225 4S

[laflorloreto]

After re building both lower units in Loreto Mexico I noticed distinct difference in water volume from the tell tell hole on the port side normal rotation motor.
Pulled the lower unit and found the water pipe totally corroded with enough missing to suggest water escaping from it.
Have been trying to get the upper housing off without removing the tilt trim etc etc.
My book which was aswesome on the lower units (section 6) is lacking the detail for section 7. I am trying to just remove the upper casing but am afraid the next portion that is seriously bolted to the rest will come loose as well?
Found both snap rings, one at the bottom of the steering shaft and the other at the bottom hidden under the foot. All bolts are removed as well as the pressure relief.
Any advice?
Clayton Record LaFlor loreto mx.

[rodbolt17]

no need to remove the snap ring nor the trim unit.
you wil have to remove the lower,remove the powerhead,remove the shift shaft,remove the lower cowling.
then remove the bonding strap and speedo pickup then the lower and upper motor mount nuts then slide the entire midsection of to dissasemble the oil pan assy.
your most likly going to find the ex stack to corroded for further use.
takes about 11 hours if no fasteners are stuck.