83 XR200 Shifter issues...UGH!

[Hondaoffroad]

Hey all,

Wondering if anyone had some feedback for me. I just finished re-assembling my 83' 200R engine.(had it completely apart). Put the engine back in the bike and as I was installing the shift lever, I noticed that there was no "spring" action to keep the lever centered. ( It was flopping all around.. will go into gears though) I checked this after putting the case halves back together and it was fine then. Don't know too much about the mechanisim, but I wonder can this be corrected by removing the clutch cover, oil pump and clutch to gain access to the spring ? Hope this doesn't sound too confusing....Thanks