As illustrated in the U.S. Kiekhafer Pat. No. 2,718,792, outboard motors commonly include a shaft or rod extending through the propulsion leg of the motor which is movable either rotationally or axially to cause movement of a clutch dog or the like to provide for shifting of the outboard motor from neutral to forward or reverse. Such rods commonly comprise upper and lower portions joined by a connector or coupling device. As illustrated in the Kiekhafer patent, common practice has been to locate the connector in a portion of the exhaust passage in the propulsion leg. Access to the connector was facilitated by providing an aperture in the propulsion leg housing, the aperture being sealed by a cover plate held in place by screws.
The Kiekhafer patent also illustrates a prior art connector for use in joining the upper and lower shift rod portions. Other examples of prior art connectors are illustrated in the U.S. Baker Pat. No. 3,583,356, the U.S. McKenzie Pat. No. 3,851,983, and the U.S. Meyer Pat. No. 3,943,790.