Johnson water pump replacement

[Djknyork]

Hit a snag when trying to replace the water pump on my '85 30hp. I can't get a threaded fitting off the shift rod so I can then get it up thru the water pump housing. Any help is appreciated
Sorry the picture rotated but the threaded shift fitting I'm talking about is now on the top.

 

[SumDumGuy]

There is probably a ferrule under that fitting that is biting into the tube.
Why is the fitting on there?

 

[Pappy]

Pull the fitting up the shaft and underneath there should be a black piece of plastic that is split lengthwise. Spread the fitting and remove from the shaft. These parts are available should you break or it flies off into a far corner.
Now.....go online and look up a parts diagram for that engine and take a look at how it is supposed to be assembled !!!

 

[Djknyork]

Thanks guys ya I found the plastic keeper and removed it.