I am new to working on outboards. I have 1 1998 Mariner 225 dfi outboard with a bent shaft that can't be straightened. I have read enough to already have the bearing casing out and all that is left is the prop shaft, the drive shaft pinion gear and the forward gear. I thought the drive shaft would come out now so I could move the clutch and parts to a new shaft. However when I try to pull out the prop shaft the shift mechanism rotates and the shaft will not come out. Is there something else holding it in on the shift shaft. Do I have to pull the drive shaft and forward gear to get the prop shaft to come out? I would appreciate any advice anyone can give me. When I look at the service manual I don't see anything holding the prop shaft in once the bearing casing is removed. I can't afford to take it to a mechanic and don't know where else to turn. Thanks in advance.
Jerry
Jerry