There should be a hole in the upper part of the key slot in the pinion gear that the tang of the key plugs into. That keeps the key away from the bronze bushings. The biggest problem was the primitive cork seals. Water in thegearcase allowed the drive shaft to eat away at the top of the prop shaft bushing witch lowers the pump impeller which restricts the flow of water. I have a parts motor with the entire impeller assembly (What’s left of it.) hanging out of the bottom of the housing. Of course "It ran the last time it was used." . . . . . 😆
Garry
