2003 Johnson ST 6/8 HP 4 Stroke Outboards Service Manual, PN 5005471, Page 247Get this manual
Running motor with motor cover removed
Motor cover is guardWhen you remove coverguard to work on the motor, remember-loose clothing (open shirt sleeves, neckties), long hair, jewelry(rings, watches, bracelets), hands and arms-can be caught by the spinning flywheel-
Handling high voltage parts like spark plugs and coils can shock you and may cause you to recoil into the flywheel
Two people working together on live motor must look out for each otherNever, ever, hit the key to start the motor before signaling your partnerHe may be leaning over the motor with hands on the flywheel, handling "hot" electrical part, or near the propeller