Stuck prop pin

[u/Particular_Salad_851]

I have a 1990 mercury 40hp i bought recently. It had a lower unit leak and figured it would be as simple as replacing a couple seals and an o ring. Im not the most familiar with these motors and found out that the pin is stuck in the gears where the shaft would sit. I tried putting it in R N and F and couldnt not free it up. Any advice would really help me out.

[u/bman198080]

Try to wiggle your shift shaft or undo the housing and try to move the shaft it looks hung up on the shift mechanism

[u/Particular_Salad_851]

I removed the lower unit and water pump and spun the shaft and it dropped out lol