Driveshaft question

[Aaronhollie337]

I changed my water pump and was in the process of reinstalling the lower unit. The first picture is before I put the driveshaft back in. The second picture is after removing the lower unit (because it wasn’t aligning properly) & I ran out of day light. I took a picture of what looks like a spring at the top of the midsection. Anyone know if that will be an issue installing lower unit again or will it move back into place once shaft goes into the splines.

 

[Faztbullet]

That is the spring for the lower crankcase seal on powerhead. Need to pull powerhead and replace seal

 

[Aaronhollie337]

That is the spring for the lower crankcase seal on powerhead. Need to pull powerhead and replace seal

Do they usually pop out of place that easily or was it just going bad?

 

[Faztbullet]

Wont know till ya pull powerhead..If a brackish or salt motor could be sping gave way