We have a 1980 S2 8.0B that has the 9.9HP Honda Saildrive 280 in place of the original OMC Zephyr (replaced by the previous owner). After sailing her a couple of seasons, I'd like to service the water pump/impeller and internal zinc anode. Trying to drop the gearbox/lower unit, after removing the 4 bolts, the gearbox drops about 2 inches, but that's it (photo). It seems to be hung up somewhere above. My guess is the gear shift linkage, as it will not pull through the nylon bearing at the engine mounting plate (photo).
Is the trick here to detach the gear shift linkage inside the extension housing? Looks like a threaded coupling just above the bend in the gearbox shift rod that's not easy to get at. Probably need to get a 10mm crowfoot wrench to be able to turn it.
I'm curious to know what else might get in the way of completing this relatively simple (at first glance) job.
Is the trick here to detach the gear shift linkage inside the extension housing? Looks like a threaded coupling just above the bend in the gearbox shift rod that's not easy to get at. Probably need to get a 10mm crowfoot wrench to be able to turn it.
I'm curious to know what else might get in the way of completing this relatively simple (at first glance) job.
