1997 Johnson Evinrude "EU" 40 thru 55 2-Cylinder Service Manual, P/N 507265, Page 227Get this manual
12To remove the bearing housing and forward gear from the propeller shaft, pry the clutch dog retainer spring out of the clutch dog groove and push out the clutch dog pinDiscard the retainer spring13Separate the bearing housing from the propeller shaftRemove the thrust washer, thrust bearing, and forward gear from the housing14Disassemble the bearing housing as followsPush out the shift lever pindisengage the shifter shaft and cradle from the shift leverand remove the shift lever
Rotate the shifter detent 1800 to depress the detent ball and springBall and spring can pop out with great forceWear safety glasses for eye protection and proceed with carePull the shifter detent from the bearing housing being prepared to catch the ball and spring