Can't Attach Shift Lever

[dagray61]

HI, I bought a used 87 48hp evinrude e48eslcus engine as a father son project. I repaired the water pump but I can't get the shift lever shaft to engage. Do I have to anything special? Does it have to be oriented a special way? I can't find any documentation on the re***embly procedures. I bought two service manuals but the directions are lacking. Can someone help?

[boats.net]

When you say cannot get the shift shaft to engage, do you mean you cannot reconnect at the linkage below the carburetors or do you mean the lower unit will not engage in forward or reverse?