1996 Johnson Evinrude "ED" 9.9 thru 30 2-Cylinder Service Manual, P/N 507122, Page 278Get this manual
Shift Rod Adjustment
&The shift rod must be adjusted correctly or water pressure from forward boat travel could move the gate into REVERSE, causing the boat to stop abruptlyOccupants could be thrown about or ejected[IQ] 1With shift rod removed from shift cam, pull up on shift cam until roller is at the far end of the FORWARD detent range
2Move shift handle to FORWARD position Push lower end of shift rod through shift cam
3Move shift handle to NEUTRALThe cam roller should snap into NEUTRAL detent when you pull up on the reverse gate with moderate pressure4If you cannot achieve NEUTRAL detent, loosen locknut and lengthen shift rod slightly and recheck your adjustment