1980 35HP Evinrude Long Shaft Top Of Water Pump Spacer Cut?

[duurmeehr]

I have a 1980 35HP Evinrude long shaft engine that I pulled the lower off to replace the water pump. Someone has cut a large notch out of the side of the spacer that comes out of the water pump over the drive shaft on the end opposite the water pump. It is about an inch long vertically and goes about 180 degrees around the spacer. Does anyone have any idea what that was for? I was going to buy a new spacer and replace it but they obviously had to have a reason to do it. Any help appreciated.

[boats.net]

I am uncertain to why they cut that section.