Evinrude 50/55hp Shift Rod Location & Separation ???

[frustratedboater]

Greetings,
I have a friends 1998 Evinrude 50hp (perhaps a 55, the whole motor is painted over...) and I am trying to pull the lower unit and the shift rod is hung up. The manual says: 3. Remove the shift rod screw (protruding under the top engine cover above the exhaust housing). I can not find where it says this screw is and if comparing to other motors, and common sense, the exhaust housing is in the rear of the motor and no relation to where the shift rod is said to be. I'M TOTALLY LOST! .

Can someone please steer me in the right direction, post a pic, or show an arrow where this is located on this motor?

 

[jakedaawg]

Under the starter/ carburetor / VRO will be a lever that attaches to the shift rod which comes up through a grommet in the lower cowl. I Think on that model you can get it without removeing starter.

Disconnect Battery. Place a tight swivel socket on the end of a 12" 1/4" drive extension. Feed it under the starter/ VRO assembly. remove pin. lower will then drop.

*It may be much easier to do if you remove the starter and loosen the air silencer cover that holds the VRO*

 

[frustratedboater]

Hey, I really appreciate that.. After looking at it, I think I have a better chance at reaching that clip/bolt, by taking out the starter (couple of bolts.._) and will try that. Thanks a bunch... I hate to say this in this forum, but I wish they slipped in & out like Merc.'s do... less hassle. Thank you.