How to drop lower unit on 8 HP msha

[mfair]

I want to replace my water pump but can't figure how to disconnect the shift rod.

IT looks like i need to remove the shift axel under the carb to disconnect but the Schematic shows a clamp on the rod in the lower unit.

Please help

thanks,
Mike

[boats.net]

There is a clamp in front of housing just above where gearcase separates from mid housing that has to be loosened.

[OLD TIMER]

water pum 1999 8hp (built in France)

I have the same problem, the rod seems to be solid all the way. There is a rubber boot covering it where it goes into the lowere unit, but there sin't any disconnect in it that I can find.

[rodbolt17]

tilt the motor up and lock it.
about 3 inches above the lower you will find the clamp block.

[OLD TIMER]

Do not remove carb and uopper shift linkage

Rodbolt has it right. After I removed the carb and disconnected the top end of the shift linkage and it still wouldn't come apart, I found the clamp he talks about. This motor had never been touched since it left the factory, so it still came apart hard, but it came apart. NOW i have to put together all the stuff I took apart at the top end, but I learned something.
I don't know how many models were built this way, but this was a first for me and I have been taking outboards apart for a long time.

[rodbolt17]

dunno
I have only been doing this type work,professionally, for 35 years or so.