1998 Johnson Evinrude "EC" 40 thru 55 2-Cylinder Service Manual, P/N 520206, Page 218Get this manual
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19Thread the shift lever and connector assembly onto the shift rod nine turns
20Install shift cradle on shift shaft with part number facing straight upUse OIVIC Needle Bearing Assembly Grease to keep the cradle from rotating on the shift shaft21 Tilt nose of gearcase down and install propeller shaft until rear edge of shift cradle is flush with front edge of forward gear DR2815
22Slide shift lever and rod into gearcaseShift lever tangs
must engage shift cradle slotsI Note 1
Verify that the shift lever has engaged the cradle before proceeding
23Install new seal on the shift lever screwApply OIVIC Nut Lock to threads of the screw