Got the oil seal out.
More questions! As you can see in the attached photo, the shift rod is bent. It’s supposed to be straight, isn’t it? It certainly appears straight in diagrams. Also, when I turn the driveshaft clockwise, the propeller spins counterclockwise (when viewed from behind) which to me indicates that it’s in reverse. Should I be able to move the shift rod up and down by hand while the lower unit is separate from the rest of the motor? It is absolutely tight and unmovable.
Nice work getting that seal out, this can be a very difficult, yet delicate job indeed! Look at the bottom of the upper seal housing, make sure the lower driveshaft has not been rubbing/grinding on it. If it had, you may need to do something with that darn spring clutch which may have expanded. I wouldn’t worry much about the slightly bent shift rod as long as it is not distorted/bent where it rides through the shift rod bushing/oring inside the gearcase.
