Re: 9.5hp Johnson/Evinrude characteristics

[Don]

Yes, that it the clutch dog detent….You will know if it is there buy pulling/pushing up and down on the shift rod (once gearcase is removed). There should be substantial resistance to movement, and the detent positioning should be easy to feel. The detent spring is messed up/missing if the shift rod goes up/down easily.
Sure don’t want you to take this thing apart needlessy, so try disconnecting the shift rod up in the pan first if it isn’t a big hassle. Pull the gearcase if the engine still jumps out of gear with the shift rod disconnected….
Hope it is something minor…