J8RLCIC GEARCASE DRIVESHAFT

[Mwsherro]

I just removed gearcase (fairly easily) with rubber mallet and the drive shaft came out of the lower unit. Engine now soaking upside down in hopes to remove shaft. Is there something that hold shaft in lower unit?? Or can I just insert it back in when installing new H2O pump? Thanks

 

[JohnnyGuy]

Take a look at the drive shaft, you should see a flat spot on the shaft where the waterpump key was... The waterpump key will stop the driveshaft from coming of the lower unit, so in the process of getting the lower unit to drop the key has been sheared and you will likely find its remnants in the pump housing.
You're going to need a replacement impeller key to get back up and running. OMC Part Number: 331130