1999 60HP 2 Stroke stiff shifter shaft

[Ga4Dawgs]

Shifter was very stiff and I eventually broke the shifter cable. The problem is the shaft that goes down to the foot is very hard to turn. Took the foot off and then the power head but can not pull the shaft out. It may be old, stiff grease. Tried heating and no help. The shaft has a bushing at the top. Should I try and tap it from the bottom? Thanks in advance!

[Ga4Dawgs]

1999 60HP 2 Stoke / Shifter shaft in very stiff

Just bought this boat and motor off CraigsList and it has been in more salt than I realized. I need all the help that I can get. Shifter shaft is too stiff and I Married a Real headache. Any suggestions? I am no boat mechanic and want to quiet this Nightmare!

[boats.net]

If you are talking the shaft in mid section housing then can tap uppwards on shaft to get out, if talking shaft in gearcase then would have to have special tools to take gearcase apart.