1988 Johnson/Evinrude "CC" 40 thru 55 Models Service Manual, Page 227Get this manual
Disassembly 1Remove the propeller and mounting hardwareInspect the propeller for spun hub 71
2Drain the gearcase by first removing the oil level plugthen the oil fili drain plug Inspect the lubricant for water which will give it milky appearance, or overheating which will give the lubricant black color and burned odor3Remove the four propeller shaft bearing housing screws with O-rings using 516 inthin wall socket
4Using two OMC 016- 18 inscrews, PIN 316982 or OMC Propeller Shaft Bearing Housing Puller, PIN 330278, and puller body from OMC Universal Puller Kit, PIN 378103, pull the propeller shaft bearing housing from gearcase
5 Remove the two retaining rings using OMC Retaining Ring Pliers PI 331045 Retaining rings are under extreme pressure during removal and installationWear safety glasses and proceed with care to avoid unsnapping the ring from the pliersAfter the retaining rings are removed far enough from the gearcase to clear the housing, release the tension on the pliers while retaining ring is still around the propeller shaft