I have a 1973 9.9 Evenrude Motor and when it is in high gear it jerks or feels like it hits something in the water. It sometimes jumps out of gear when it does it. When running at low speeds it runs fine no problems.
for starters go to leeroysramblings.com...outboard motor related articles...9.9/15 hp. maintenance and repair...lower unit / gearbox...clutch dog....marineengine.com has diagrams of your engine