i am about to remove a motor for the first time. I think i have it under control except i am not sure how to disconnect the motor from the lower unit. can anyone help?

Had to pull one of mine a few weeks back to fix something. Once you get everything disconnected, put the hoist on it and lift about an inch, then wiggle forward. Once you do it, it is actually pretty easy. If you dont twist the shaft or the drive, it will simply slide back in place.... atleast mine did. Took me and a friend about 3 hours to get it out and only about 2.5 to get it all back together and running in the boat.

thanks for help but how many bolts connect motor to lower unit, where are they, when i take off excaust will i see them better

Pull the drive.
Only 2 bolts connect the motor to the transom assembly.

ohhh I didn't know i had to pull the drives to get the motor out

You dont have to pull the drives.

I think there were 5 or 6 bolts on the bellhousing. If you run your hand along the back of the motor you can find them all.

ok thanks i think i got but just to make sure. I cant see them right? but i can feel them?

You are much better off pulling the drive and then unbolting the bellhousing from the inner transom plate. You need to check engine alignment after you bolt the engine back in and this can't be accomplished with out pulling the drive off. It is MUCH less of a headache too.

Pull the drive. If don't check alignment after the reinstall, you are risking trashing the coupler and having to do it all over again.

The drive doesn't bolt to the engine. The input shaft from the drive slides into the coupler.

Make sure you keep the washers that connect the bell housing to transom assemble in the exact order they came off.

Thanks for all of your help. i have removed the motor fixed the starter and now I am having problems reinstalling the drive. It just will not slide on. I also have seen someone post about lining up motor. if i have not moved motor mounts is this an issue?