Evinrude 1996 9.9HP motor gear rod disconnected - how to reconnect it?

[HHastings]

My 1996 Evinrude 9.9HP outboard motor has been running well, but yesterday the 'rod' connecting the gear handle to the shift system (sorry for my non-technical terms) got disconnected. I can't seem to find a place to put the rod back. The image attached shows the problem I have.

How can I reconnect the rod? Please help.
Thanks!
Henry

 

[racerone]

The rod is all bent.----Straighten it first or get a new one.-----Hooks to the recoil starter interlock.

 

[HHastings]

Thanks for your answer. I was surprised by how it got bent like that.

 

[909]

First straighten it as Racerone mentioned.

To reconnect the rod:

Unscrew / unbolt the 3 bolts that hold the pull start assembly.

Make sure the tab it's supposed to go into, is pointing down.

I've found the easiest way to get it in is to force a finger in the tab and tilt the entire assembly towards the fuel pump side.

Crouch down , and underneath you'll see the hole it's supposed to go into ( because your finger is pushing it down )

Insert the rod, while it's tilted, then reassemble everything.

You can bypass the rod all together by not installing it , and use a zip tie to bypass the starter interlock.

If you fish, and do any amount of trolling, this is ideal.

 

[HHastings]

Thank you, 909, for your tips. They are practical and super helpful. I am curious about the method of bypassing the rod by using a zip tie. How to pull it off? Where to put the zip tie? I would love a couple of pointers. Thanks again.

 

[909]

The part that the rod goes in.
Put your finger in there.
Push it down.
Keep it down with a zip tie.
Eliminate the rod.

Cheers.

 

[HHastings]

Thanks a lot. Love the tip.

 

[909]

You're welcome