advise on water pump replacement

[gweedo]

hello all,
new to forum,
i have a 1998 merc 30 hp thant i feel is ready to have foot removed and new pump put in.
i am more concerned about gettin the foot off before it dont want to come off.
ive attempted this with motors before,and all the bolts come off ok, then it drops about a 1/4 inch and that it. i could never get them off.
i was told that to much time had past and the foot
was froze up in there.
so i want to do this motor and need all the advise i can get.
after i remove all the bolts and shift linkage, shouldit fall rite down?
thank you for your replys.

gweedo.

ps. i will gladly pay with good roofing advise @ roofin.com

[boats.net]

The shift shaft on that motor is held togather by a nut that you will have to unscrew. Check your servive manual for details.