I had to pry to seperate the lower unit(with 5" extension)from upper assembly to get my 3/8" socket onto the upper hex-head bolt to release the shift-rod. Upon examination, it appeared that the shift-rod was bent rearward 15 degrees. http://www.c-brats.com/albums/Adeline/Bent_Shift_Shaft.sized.jpg and I became concerned that I had bent it with my prying. I went on to examine the shift -rod in the gearcase and found that it was also bent in a way that matches the upper shift-rod(i.e. 15 degrees forward) web page C-Brats and now I wonder if there was always a "dogleg" in the shift-shaft. Since this is my first dis-assembly I simply don't know. Can an experienced wrench show me the light? Is this bend normal?
