[macojoe]

Thats the engin coupler. It will not always smell like rubber. Mine the teeth got striped.

If it was the drive shaft you would here it banging around in there!!

While you have it apart ck all the bellows houses and water pump. You might as well get it all done at once so you don't have to play with anything during the fishing season.

You will also have to get a outdrive install kit. It has a new gasket and O ring for the water jacket.

It is a lot of work but if you set your self up right and ahead of time you should be able to get the motor out, fixed, and back in with a couple of buddies in about 2 to 3 hours.
I was set and had it done with some help from a couple of friends in just about 3 hours.
Thats the motor part, then you will have to reinstall the out drive. Reason I mention the time is that I rented the engin hoist for 4 hours at a cost of $15

Good Luck!!