1987 johnson 90hp shift/idle adjustment help

[fellowboater]

I recently changed the water pump in my motor and now have lost reverse. I am thinking something came out of adjustment upon lower unit removal. What is the procedure to adjust the cables properly as my SELOC manual doesnt really explain this. My other problem is that the motor idle speed is a little high and was wondering how to adjust this also. Been a pretty good unit so far. Thanks

 

[fellowboater]

Re: 1987 johnson 90hp shift/idle adjustment help

motor is model # J90TLCUR would be great if anyone with a pdf of these procedures could send them to me. Thanks again.

 

[ob]

Re: 1987 johnson 90hp shift/idle adjustment help

Assuming that you didn't rotate the shift rod when you replaced the water pump changing its length,you can adjust the shift linkage as follows: Place the controls in the neutral position.Disconnect the shift arm from the shift cable.Rotate the propeller while manually actuating the shift arm into forward,then reverse,then back to nuetral.After this ,observe the alignment of the shift arm hole and the hole of the cable clevis.Adjust the cable trunion until these holes are exactly aligned and then replace the bolt coupling the shift arm to the cable clevis.Do this first and then we can discuss your idle speed adjustment.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1987 johnson 90hp shift/idle adjustment help

Chances are the cable has nothing to do with loss of reverse. You turned the shift rod while the lower unit was removed, or during installation. Check your manual for the legth adjustment of the rod. Leave the cable alone -- at least until you are sure the shift rod is correct.

 

[Walker]

Re: 1987 johnson 90hp shift/idle adjustment help

I'm gonna bet you got the shift rod turned 180 degrees. The gooseneck bend at the top has to be forward. If its toward the rear on the motor it binds on the linkage when you try to shift to reverse.