It sounds like the nylon ball or socket has broke. Cheap and easy to replace.
Ball #0313703
Socket # 0313700
About $5 each, get at least 2 each of them, the other end of the linkage is the same part #'s.
If you can't find them locally, use this link,
http://shop2.evinrude.com/ext/index....2b6b1cbb4b0cfa
Click on your motor year, horse, type and then click cylinder & crankcase , see diagrams and lists find #75 SOCKET, #76 BALL.