2008 Evinrude E-TEC 55MFE Technical Manual, Page 251Get this manual
GEARCASE GEARCASE DISASSEMBLY Two 516-18 inscrews, PN 316982, from Universal Puller Set, PN 378103Remove the retainer plate from the gearcase
1Retainer plate 9437
COA3513
Remove the two retaining rings using Retaining Ring Pliers, PN 331045
Remove the larger thrust washer, thrust bearing, and reverse gear from the gearcaseRemove the smaller thrust washer located in front of the gear
CAUTION
Retaining rings are under extreme pressure during removal and installationTo prevent personal injury, wear 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