foot removal

[wbarrs]

I need to remove the lower unit from my 2009 225 4stroke. It is counter rotating if that makes a difference. I have removed the 7 bolts and foot doesn't drop. What am I missing? Also I have heard that putting the motor in forward gear eases the reattachment process, is this true?

[jb123]

did you remove the zinc tab and bolt under it?

[wbarrs]

zinc tab

I did, THere are three bolts on each side and one holding the zinc fin. is there a shift linkage that could be holding it? I removed the cowling on both sides and didn't see any access ports or other bolts. I don't want to force the foot down, but as long as there shouldn't be anything holding it I will use "moderate physical persuasion".

[boats.net]

There are 8 bolts, three on each side, one in front of trim tab and one underneath trim tab.