1998 Johnson Evinrude "EC" 2 thru 8 Service Manual, P/N 520202, Page 204Get this manual
[] 5Slide the driveshaft up and out of the gearcase[1Q]
6Remove the two gearcase head screws
7Using soft mallet, alternately tap each of the ears of the gearcase head either clockwise or counterclockwise until the gearcase head is in the position shownThen tap the ears from behind, alternately, to disengage the gearcase head O-ring8Remove the propeller shaft componentsRemove the gearcase headDiscard the gearcase head O-ring9Remove the pinion, thrust bearing, and thrust washer
10Insert punch into the drive pin hole in the propeller shaftWhile holding the forward gear still, rotate the propeller shaft in counterclockwise directionGently pull outward on the propeller shaft and remove11Gently remove the clutch spring from the forward gearClean all propeller shaft componentsInspect the clutch spring for distortionThe coils of the spring must touch one anotherReplace the clutch spring, if necessary