2003 Johnson ST 6/8 HP 4 Stroke Outboards Service Manual, PN 5005471, Page 233Get this manual
Outboard Shift Systems and Safety
The outboard Shift System starts here at the remote control lever
.and ends here at the propeller
What is most important?
When control lever is in FORWARD, NEUTRAL or REVERSE
shift linkage must match control lever position
What could happen?
IFIFFORWARD
propeller still powered (turning) unknown to operator, or motor will START in gear, boat will move suddenly
FORWARD or REVERSE