Awesome instructions. I did have a problem reinstalling the lower unit and I wanted to see if anyone has ever had something similar happen. I thought I was having problems getting the splines aligned but further inspection revealed something blocking the drive shaft from going all the way in. It looked like a brass bushing and that had slid out of place and was blocking the top of the drive shaft at the motor. I took a long wire and centered the piece and was able to reinstall the lower unit.

Has anyone else seen this before or have any thoughts on what this might be? Everything appears to be working fine but I am concered because I would never have expected something to be free floating in that area.

Thanks – Mike