Need help removing the lower unit on a 1980 25 Hp Johnson/Evinrude

[boatcrew]

Well i just purchased my first boat and i need to replace the water pump/Impeller.
I Cant figure out how to take off the lower unit on the motor. I made sure to remove all the necessary hardware and even got a rubber mallet to try and loosen it up but it will not come off. I have the model number and serial number below, Any help would be much appreciated.

Model # E25TECSA
Serial # E001644

iboats Boating Forums
Here is an image of the motor.

Thanks in advance
-Sam-

[boats.net]

Did you disconnect the shift rod?