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Well after a week of soaking and whacking, I believe this qualifies as "really stuck". I appreciate all the feedback, especially about creating a heatshield, that seems to be the next step, short of taking it to a dealer. If I can ask another question - there is a 1.25" nut on each end of what I would assume is the tilt tube the nuts are flush up against the motor mounts - I know the motor has to be supported - if I remove the nuts, should the tilt tube then be able to be removed, probably with more banging? the thread looks to continue right into the engine mounts....from the amount of sand and salt crystals I found in the impeller and thermostat housing, this boat was put away salt water wet 3 years ago.....Thanks again for the support /suggestions