1997 Johnson/Evinrude Outboards 2 thru 8 Service Repair Manual P/N 507261, Page 214Get this manual
Quality of the image is intentionally reduced!
DisassembIy
5 Remove the two gearcase head screws
6lightly the ears of the gearcas head using wooden dowel and mallet until the gearcase head has rotated 100 150 in either direction