Shift rod bent ?

[Wildey]

J40ELCEC
40 HP Johnson 1989
The shift rod has a bend in it near where it goes through the seal at the lower unit.
Doesn't look proper. Should it be perfectly straight ?
Hard to tell from the exploded view in the parts diagram.
Maybe got bent by someone servicing/impeller ? ? ?
Thanks for some guidance.

 

[oldboat1]

Evinrude Johnson OMC 0332509 - Shift Rod, 15

Visit MarineEngine.com for Evinrude Johnson OMC 0332509 - Shift Rod, 15 332509 price, stock and delivery options to order online.

www.marineengine.com

 

[saltchuckmatt]

J40ELCEC
40 HP Johnson 1989
The shift rod has a bend in it near where it goes through the seal at the lower unit.
Doesn't look proper. Should it be perfectly straight ?
Hard to tell from the exploded view in the parts diagram.
Maybe got bent by someone servicing/impeller ? ? ?
Thanks for some guidance.

Picture of existing?

 

[Wildey]

Its all back together now.
The slight bent is just below the seal and looks like it needs to be there to bring the rod up parallel to the drive shaft. Slightly bent near the red circle.
Thanks.

 

[Wildey]

OK, turns out it does need the slight bend to parallel the driveshaft up to the powerhead and connection point.
Thanks