1998 Johnson Evinrude "EC" 9.9 thru 30 HP 2-Cylinder Outboards Service Manual, Page 264Get 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
1With shift rod removed from shift cam, pull up on shift cam until roller is at the far end of the FORWARD detent range
ITII 2Move shift handle to FORWARD positionPush lower end
of shift rod through shift cam3Move shift handle to NEUTRALThe cam roller should snap into NEUTRAL detent when you pull up on the reverse gate with moderate pressure