The cover shifts hard with force leading me to believe the spring is ok. One would think. Just now messing around some more and found a corner tooth wore on reverse idle gear. Help me with my gear coordinates, the main input is the one to the very front on transmission?? Correct? I'm going back out to spin some more.

I got a little distracted yesterday with the arrival of my first grandson.
Thanks guys! I'm still investigating will return shortly.