Re: pre 79 control box installation
There is a bracket that can be purchased to accomodate the retainer clip for the shift cable trunion. I just tried to find a part number for it on shop.evinrude.com, but couldn't. An OMC/BRP dealer will be able to obtain the part for you.
If you try to attach the retainer directly to the cowl, the cable will not line up in a straight fore/aft position. It will work, but will tend to bind if the cables are run on the starboard side of the boat, as is the typical installation. This is due to an S curve in the cable that will be created by the improper installation.
I haven't bought one of these brackets in years, but its probably not too expensive.
Here's what it looks like on a 1965 Johnson 6hp. The retainer is not mounted and, if you look closely, you can see the raised nipple that fits into a hole on the retainer, so that it only requires one screw to mount.
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