35 HP Force Gearcase Question

[2FiSh4]

OK, I posted a few weeks ago about my lower unit and got great help. In reading my shop manual, there is a picture which shows a tiny ball bearing that sits in a pit on the prop shaft. The range of years is correct, but the wording in the writing says, "On models so equipped". When I took the bearing cage out, I did not notice a tiny ball bearing. Does anyone know if my 357F7B motor has one (1987 35 HP)? Also, when the lower unit is fitted back together, should I be able to turn the gears by hand easily??? Should I be able to grab the shift arm and easily move it up or down? Or, is it natural to be a tight fit? The lower unit is not yet filled with lube as I messed up one seal on the drive shaft. I think I got the gears in there OK. Any help is appreciated.
~Mike

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: 35 HP Force Gearcase Question

shift shaft should move, rotate the prop while trying to shift to see if that helped out

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 35 HP Force Gearcase Question

Merc site shows that part for your motors model number part number 22
357F7B. The drive shaft will turn easy if the water pump is removed. It will be slightly stiff however from the seals.

 

[2FiSh4]

Re: 35 HP Force Gearcase Question

OK. I grabbed the shaft and turned it and tapped lightly on the shift arm, and now they move fine. I can get the little prop shaft ball. What is it's purpose? Is it a must? I did not see a channel in which it rides, although the manual refers to lining the ball in the grove of the bearing cage. Any suggestions???