1985 90hp clutch dog and pinion gear removal

[njs458]

I am this deep into getting out the clutch dog but cannot determine how to get the spring off the clutch dog and or the pinion gear out of the way to pull the prop shaft all the way out.
Regards,
njs

[boats.net]

You will have remove pinion gear nut and remove drive shaft and pinion gear.

[njs458]

I did get the nut off and the drive shaft out but the pinion gear will not go up the drive shaft hole nor will it go past the clutch. I have since read that it must be in forward gear which I suspect is not where I have it. Could this be my problem?
Thank you responding!!
Regards,
Jeff

[njs458]

By the way- I am beginning to suspect that the cable adjustment has been my problem all along as I see no wear on the gears. I am this far so I thought it worthwhile to inspect the clutch dog while this deep into it.

Jeff

[njs458]

Got everything out after I put it in forward gear. I see very little wear and it is only on the outer edges of the gears and none on the dogs.

[boats.net]

Sounds good, if there are no major wear spots, then could have been adjustment.