Johnson outboard won't shift into reverse

[frank i]

After firing up the motor this year (2001 150 hp), and putting it into the water, the engine won't engage in reverse. It sounds like it's trying to, (you can here the gears trying to engage like you're shifting out of neutral), however, it won't engage, no matter how far you pull the lever back. Any suggestions?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Johnson outboard won't shift into reverse

disconnect cable at the motor and shift it manually. cable go bad, putting into forward the cable pull the shifter, going to reverse the cable pushs the shift link, when the cable frays inside the sheath, it cannot push as far as it did. there is a # on the sheath of the cable. that is the replacement number.