18hp Johnson. What's the "right" way to pull the lower unit.

I have a 50's vintage 18 hp Johnson motor that I've worked on a bunch
and I need to pull the lower unit (again). The two other times I've
pulled it it has been a huge pain in the ass trying to break it free.
Mainly because of the tight fit between the lower unit housing and the
shaft housing. (And yes, I've uncoupled the shift rod mid-way up). I'm
hoping there's a way to free it from the upper shaft housing without
gouging the heck out of it by prying with a screwdriver. Is there a
special tool for pulling lower units...or a special technique? Thanks
in advance to anyone who can help.

Ya put a little Vasoline on the ole wanger, and crank one off !!!!


wrote in message

>I have a 50's vintage 18 hp Johnson motor that I've worked on a bunch
> and I need to pull the lower unit (again). The two other times I've
> pulled it it has been a huge pain in the ass trying to break it free.
> Mainly because of the tight fit between the lower unit housing and the
> shaft housing. (And yes, I've uncoupled the shift rod mid-way up). I'm
> hoping there's a way to free it from the upper shaft housing without
> gouging the heck out of it by prying with a screwdriver. Is there a
> special tool for pulling lower units...or a special technique? Thanks
> in advance to anyone who can help.
>