Shift rod probably is catching. It's a challenge to do that alone, but you need to keep the gearcase lined up with the rest of the motor.
Look up the midsection at the two water tubes. They should have guides that look like pieces of hose. Pull them down enough to help you guide the water tubes back into the pump.
Look up the midsection at the two water tubes. They should have guides that look like pieces of hose. Pull them down enough to help you guide the water tubes back into the pump.