How hard is it to change the oil line that goes from the upper gear case to barb on the outer bell housing assembly? Can it be changed with out taking the drive off? I think I can do it but was wondering maybe some tips or tricks to get the line off of the barb on the bell housing? Its kind of tight in there. Thanks

Just went through this. You need to pull the drive and the bellhousing. I used a 1/2" allen socket to undo the bellhousing.

I did it when I had the bellhousings off but I am pretty sure it was doable with it all assembled. It would be a real b**ch and probably easier to take the drive off. Cheap gasket kit, 6 nuts and the hinge pins and you're in business.

That hose goes to the top of the transom assembly and to the reservoir inside the boat. You would have to get around the exhaust and drive shaft bellows. I can't see it happening. In the pic you can barely see the hose on the top right inside.
Never mind the mess I gutted my boat and redid it this season.

You would probably be time ahead by just removing the drive and bell housing, than the time and aggravation you'll have trying to work around things.

Unless you have really tiny hands and arms....

It can be done, just a pain in the A$$!!!