paragon transmission problem

[S/V Laelia]

I finally got it out. I rigged up a block and tackle arrangement using the mast as the anchor, ran the engine and pounded on it with the rubber mallet.

Now to see what is wrong with it. I wish I knew a good shop tha works on old Paragons.

[S/V Laelia]

I took the transmission to a mechanic who looked it over, adjusted the clutch and pronounced it fit for duty. Unfortunately, when I put the transmission back in the boat and put it in gear, I could spin the transmission output shaft with my bare hands. So out it came. After looking around and making some careful measurements, I came to the conclusion that any experienced mechanic (which I am not) would have spotted immediatly. The splines on the damper plate appear to have failed so the transmission shaft spins freely inside the damper plate.

Damper plate

Splines on transmission shaft

My question to those more knowledgeable than I (and that covers a lot of people): Does this look like the right damper plate? It seems to me it should be built so the splines on the transmission shaft reach all the way to the back of the splined portion of the damper plate.

I can't do anything about it until at least Monday - another weekend without sailing!!

[RayNWanda]

Is the damper plate in there backward maybe?

[S/V Laelia]

That was my first thought  but the plate is marked to show which side goes to the flywheel. All the same, I tried it and it doesn't fit.