04 Mercury 50hp 4cyl EFI trouble removing water pump base

[cnewton700]

Have a 2004 Mercury 50hp 4 stroke EFI. Decided to change the bottom plate as well as the water pump base this year with my routine impeller change. I inserted a screwdriver in each recessed spot at the top of the base and started to pry. I believe it has been in there since day one because it wasn't budging. A little more pressure and both screwdrivers ripped the top out of the holes they were in, still without moving the base. Can someone please tell me how to get that thing out of there?

 

[faztbullet]

Well your going to need a new one first. Then apply 10psi air into unit, use 2 coated decking screw 3.5 inches long, thread into base and use 2 cats paw pry bar and pull up on it evenly

 

[cnewton700]

Well your going to need a new one first. Then apply 10psi air into unit, use 2 coated decking screw 3.5 inches long, thread into base and use 2 cats paw pry bar and pull up on it evenly

Thank you so much Faztbullet. Came right out.