HELP! 1989 OMC Cobra 3.0L bellows install, SMALL SPRING ROD FELL OUT SOMEWHERE!

[exesys]

HELP!

I took my gimbal off, cleaned and installed new bellows.
Put the shift cable back on and re-installed the gimbal ring, torqued the pins etc..
I finished pulling both bellows back into through the holes to seat them (sealing the drive bellow only with gasket sealer).
I was just going to put the final gasket on and hang the drive when I noticed a small spring plunger part in my work area.
I never seen it before and it must have fell out somewhere along the way.
I didn't notice it until today, and installed the gimbal ring yesterday, so don't think it came from under that.
Does anyone know what this is?
It does not show up on any of my transom assembly diagrams.

Attaching pics

 

[bruceb58]

I don't recognize that as being an OMC part.

 

[Lou C]

Me neither

 

[jakedaawg]

That looks like the pin used on a set of HF snap ring tools with the interchangeable heads.

 

[exesys]

I believe you are correct jakedaawg!
I bought a cheap snapring tool at HF. Dang thing didn't work anyway for putting the exhaust bellow ring back in, and the spring part must have ended up flying off when I reefed on it!

I ended up using my trusty old needle nose anyway.

When I saw that part laying there later, I was afraid I'd have to take the whole dang thing apart again.
Thanks to all for mystery solved!