apdriver, I thought someone might help you out with your request by now. Ill say that I have never painted my lower unit but if I was going to, I dont think I would go to the trouble of removing it from the motor unless you want to replace the water pump or something. I would just do what you have to do to sand, clean and paint it in place. If Im giving bad advice, surely someone will comment on it one way or the other. Good luck, JimEveryone should believe in something. I believe Ill just go fishing!