87 Alpha One shift linkage stuck?

[Arthur Vandelay]

I am trying to remove a 1987 Alpha One (Mercruiser) out drive from it's gimbal. I have removed the 6 mounting locknuts and can get the outdrive to pull away from the gimbal about1 inch before it stops. I can see what looks like it may be a shift linkage between the 2 parts. How would I disconnect it? Unit is in great condition so I don't want do damage anything.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kghost]

Did you shift the control into forward gear ???????

 

[Bt Doctur]

a shame some dont ask "how" first before they ask "how" to fix what they screwed up

 

[Arthur Vandelay]

Did you shift the control into forward gear ???????

Yes. Midway

 

[Bt Doctur]

the shift part you mention MUST be in a straight line ,only in full fwd at the control handle will this happen. You may have to push the drive back on to allow this.

 

[Arthur Vandelay]

a shame some dont ask "how" first before they ask "how" to fix what they screwed up

This is not only true, but something I may have said in the past.

I would appreciate any advice you would be willing to offer.

The outdrive has been pushed back together and re bolted at this point.

 

[Arthur Vandelay]

the shift part you mention MUST be in a straight line ,only in full fwd at the control handle will this happen. You may have to push the drive back on to allow this.

Thank you. Will try this next.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Once you have the brass shoes in a straight line the drive will almost fall off