Broken shift linkage

[kmorgan456]

While trying to replace an impeller on my 2001 Mercury 40 horse two stroke, I broke the shifter linkage. The location of the problem is up near the engine block where the shifter shaft meets this plastic engagement lever. There is a pin held in place with a cotter key. Well, that little plastic lever broke and it is buried up under the motor as much as anything I've ever seen.

Question: Do I have to remove the motor to get to it? Sure does look like it. I can include pictures if needed. Thanks

[kmorgan456]

Never mind. Took the bottom carb off and got to it. Broken horizontal shift shaft caused by not removing the pin holding the shift rod in place. If you have a 2001 Mercury 40 horse 3 cylinder, DO NOT pull the lower unit without disconnecting this pin first. It's located right under the bottom carb and is tough to get to. Lesson learned.