Shift linkage help 1998 25 hp Yamaha

[jr.deerslayer]

Hey guys I've had an absolute nightmare of a time changing a water impeller of a 1998 Yamaha 25 hp of all things. First with 3 broken water pump bolts and now this. When disengaging the shift linkage by holdng onto the lower but and turning the top nut, somehow the upper shift linkage fell from the power head. It was getting hard to turn the upper nut when it happened. Can the upper shift rod be reassembled without removing the power head? If not, is it a job that's best left to a marine mechanic? Thanks a lot for any help. If it helps its only been run in fresh water.

 

[jr.deerslayer]

No Title

Hey its been awhile and I have a new lower unit but I was still wondering about the shift rod. It's number 3 on the diagram. Thanks