25hp merc 1986

[merk-1]

I want to replace the water pump and the book says to disconnect the shift linkage behind the carb before I can remove the foot. I popped the plastic knucle off the shift arm but I can't see what that accomplished. Am I missing something? The book calls the foot the old style.

[boats.net]

The shift shaft connector is below carb, need to disconnect it there.