Do we mean a 3.3 hp? At least that is what Marine Engine is calling it, for a 1991.
It looks to be very Tohatsu-like. Very similar in construction the common Mercury 2.2 through 3.3, and Nissans, that are Tohatsu-based. Not badly designed motors but the metals were horrible. I am thinking, like Don, that your drive shaft is probably stuck. If like the Mercs, it is a drive tube with square ends. It mates to a square output on the bottom of the crank shaft and to a square input on the top of the gear case. While these are made of ferrous, plain steel alloy, they don’t have the corrosion grip potential of a splined shaft. You also have the possibility of it coming free at two ends, instead of just the top. My guess as to that 1/8″ that you easily feel is end play of the drive shaft in the lower unit. Note that the gear is fastened to the shaft. Within REASON, I would think some wedging might free up one of those square/square joints. But kind of like what Don is eluding to, WHY are your trying to pull it down? The impeller is on the prop shaft. If you are unsuccessful in pulling it all the way off but do manage to move one of those square connections a little…..then just try to reattach it, NOW you might be in real trouble, because you may have closed up the gear tooth clearance in the lower unit and risk it’s destruction.
Long live American manufacturing!
