Well, everything was going well and the boat started and ran strongly. But it did not have a strong water flow, so I had to replace the impeller. No biggy there , but what I did not know was my young son played with the gear lever on the lower end. So when I put it back in and went to put it in neutral, it did not go. Long story short, the shift rod bracket snapped. ( I am beginning to think this motor was not well looked after.)
My dilemma is there is not enough room between th cowl bottom and motor to clear the shift rod. It cannot be retracted into the leg because of a permanently affixed connector.
I have removed the carburetors and can get access to the area, but still not go. To dismantle the motor any more will require the flywheel to come off and then I am still battling to access 2 bolts.
Surely I am not the first numpty to have to replace or repair this linkage in a Mariner 60E (55) of the 1982 era?
Any help would be graciously received.