2002/2003 Johnson SN/ST 2 Stroke 3.5, 6 8 HP Outboards Service Manual, PN 5005466, Page 216Get this manual
Outboard Speed Control System and Safety
The outboard Speed Control System starts here at the remote control lever(single lever remote control) and ends here on the powerhead
What is most important?
When control lever is moved from FORWARD (or REVERSE) to NEUTRAL Powerhead speed must slow down to allow operator to shift into NEUTRAL Operator must be able to STOP propeller
What could happen?
If Operator cannot slow down the motor or shift into NEUTRAL gear (stop propeller), Operator could panic and lose control of boat