Weak reverse in 90HP Johnson

[zenwriter]

Year 2000 Johnson won't respond to throttle in reverse. Have good performance in forward, 5500 RPMs at WOT, and it will shift into reverse Ok. In reverse the prop turns at very low RPMs, but when I give it throttle nothing happens, just stays at low RPMs. The throttle has kind of a springy feel. Would like to gain some power in reverse.

Any thoughts on diagnosing the issue?

 

[Jungleboat]

My Johnson 90 was the same. A local told me weak power in reverse is normal, to stop you ripping the transom off. He said hard power going forward pushes the transom without problem but that transoms are weak if you pull them. I asked "So how do you get off if you're stuck on mud?" He replied "Gently".

Aside from that it could be a throttle cable adjustment issue? Have you opened up the control box?

(I might not be able to reply, as iboats.com seems to be blocking my IP address, have to get here by proxy. Grrr)

 

[zenwriter]

I know where the control box is, but not what to look for inside -- any suggestions?