??? seems like the drive shaft is out in you picture no ?? in any event that base plate over the lower GC cavity can be lifed out and the seal “attacked” from the other side. When all done install a new gasket and rebuild the pump. while doing all this check the spring clutch (shock absorber) underneat and make certain it is not streched! max lenght was 6”11/16 if I recall correctly but check.
if yours us streched compress it spot weld it polish it and use bass shear /drive pin
see ai reply
One experienced restorer noted that when the shock absorber becomes longer than normal due to age or impact damage, it can rub on the bearing housing and cause the engine to feel tight when assembled. He specifically stated:
“6 11/16″ is the length I was aiming for.”
If you are rebuilding a 1954-1964 5.5 HP Johnson or Evinrude, that dimension is a useful reference.
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