suzuki water pump & clutch/shift shaft install?

[out board]

I had no water at the tell tale. Replaced impeller, old one looked fine, still no water. removed thermostat and ran with housing off, no water. I ran compressed air up the water pump tube and it seemed to be clear. I ran water through the thermostat ports and it seemed to be going every where it should. I still haven't solved the water issue, but while removing the lower end again to check the pump, the pin was not all the way out of the clutch shaft and pulled the gear box cover open enough for the clutch shaft to unseat.

Any suggestions on how to get the shaft in that last half inch? I guess there is a spring loaded cam that has to be pushed back.

Also is there anything else on the water pump I should check?

Thanks, DT55 early eightys