Mercury Optimax Models 135, 150, Direct Fuel Injection., Page 414Get this manual
LEFT HAND NON-RATCHETING
8Remove locknut from the front gear housing mounting stud9Loosen the side mounting locknuts(DO NOT attempt to remove one nut before opposite side is loosened sufficiently, or driveshaft housing could be damaged
aFront Mounting LocknutSide Mounting Locknut (One Each Side) 10Pull gear housing away from driveshaft housing as far as the loosened nuts (in Step 9) will allow, then remove loosened nuts(DO NOT allow gear housing to fall, as it now is free 11Pull gear housing from driveshaft housing