My 1975 70 hp Evinrude does not have that plate on the side of the housing. I ***ume my shift lever would have to be disconnected under the carb. I figure maybe I could drop a string from the top, connect to the lever and guide it by pulling on the string. I have not yet had to deal with this as I have thus far been unable to get the lower unit to separate. I am afraid to force it. Good luck