Mariner 70hp 1979/1980 - water pump lower housings stuck?

[naio83]

Hi experts,
I am facing some issues with a replacement than I am doing, and I definitely need some help.
Engine: Mariner 70HP, 2T, 3cil, 1979/1980.
Task: Water pump kit replacement (first time doing it).
I have bought the kit (Quicksilver 77177A3) and it came with the full water pump kit, so my first idea was to replace all the parts.
The procedure started with the disassembly of the upper housing, the impeller, gaskets, plates, etc. everything went really smoothly, until I tried to replace the lower housing.
As it is the first time that I am trying to do the job, I went gently with a screwdriver, and tried to hand-force to move the part and try to separate it from the lower unit but with no luck.

Actual lower housing in the lower unit, and new one.



Red arrows are the places where I tried with the plane screwdriver.

So here is my dilema:

Keep the lower housing and just replace the upper, impeller, gasket and so on, or try to replace everything. I would prefer to replace all the parts (and gaskets below the lower housing), but I am worried about damaging some other part if I make force incorrectly, or maybe I am just not doing it correctly, so I would love some help on this matter.
The actual water pump kit has been there for years, I would not be surprised if the upper and lower housing are the ones that came with the engine originally.


Thank you very much for your time!

 

[Quicksilver]

Check for a FLUSH plug that is screwed into the lower housing and can be removed with a large screw driver (you can see it in the middle top of the housing). If it doesn't have one you have to put more pressure with screwdrivers at 180*.

 

[naio83]

OMG!!!
That flush plug was the key (I had to remove 2 studs also), thank you very much for your help!!!