twisted my shift rod need help with correct measurement

[bpd119]

i took the lower unit out to do a water pump and like an idiot twisted the shift rod. so now when the shifter is in neutral, the motor is in drive. now joe told me it has to be in neutral and the length would be
21 27/32 inches. i tried measuring it today it was around 20 and a half inches long from the point where the shift rod enters the lower unit to the center of the hole. i tried twisting in to get it to 21 inches but the rod twists right out of the lower unit. so my question is, am i doing something wrong or is it a different measurement. its a 1986 evinrude 90hp v4 vro model
E90MLCDC.

here are some pics

 

[jtexas]

Re: twisted my shift rod need help with correct measurement

Screw it in till it seats, then back it out three full turns. then adjust to the measurement.

That bottom arrow is supposed to indicate the surface where the lower unit meets the midsection.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: twisted my shift rod need help with correct measurement

Yes, as above, I said from the lower unit surface to the center of the shift rod hole..... NOT as you state, "where the shift rod enters the lower unit to the center of the hole."