How to get to the impellor/water pump.

Hello, can anyone tell me how to separate the bottom end housing so that I can get into the impellor/water pump to replace it? Have undone all the bolts, split the two housings but there seems to be something holding it all together still. Do I need to undo the flywheel and drop the entire shatft through the motor? Would seem extreme and Im sure this isn't the way. Have removed the propellor and its shaft. On the end of the main drive shaft there is a gear of course with a nut on the end but surely it's not split from there to take off the housing as its so difficult to get at and you'd be lucky if you could turn the nut at all.
Sorry, we have a Suzuki 50 HP outboard and I think its about a 1983 model.

If it has seperated a bit then look for a connecter for the shift rod.------------No need to remove flywheel or the nut at the bottom of the driveshaft.

Thanks for your reply. I have looked and I can see it through the about 3mm gap. I just can't see where I can get at it to find a connector. I will persist more tomorrow and hopefully find it. It's frustrating as I've seen on youtube other models where the connection is easily visible.
Thanks again.

racerone said:

If it has seperated a bit then look for a connecter for the shift rod.------------No need to remove flywheel or the nut at the bottom of the driveshaft.

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