Need to replace the water pump on my '89 150 evinrude. I have done one on a '84 150 before. I am clear on all of the procedure with the exception how to disconect the shift rod. The manual I have seems to be pointing to an yoked arm that is inboard of shifter cables on the starboard(right)side. I see that the rod that fits in the yoke runs to the shift rod. The manual says screw but mine has a pin with cotter key. But does not explain any more.
My question is: Do I detatch the rod from the yoke and slide the rod to disengage the shifter rod or is there more to the procedure. Or is it like the '84 with a bolt that has to be taken out which is right in front of the block and behind and below the bottom carb.
Should the motor be in reverse for this procedure?

Pull the air box off and you will see the shift rod pull the cotter clip and push shift rod to disengage the shift shaft.....OPTI

I have the '89 150XP and it had a bolt disconnect. I had the same problem with finding it and I found it to be MUCH easier with the bottom carb removed. In fact I would be willing to bet that it is almost impossible to reconnect without removing the carb.