15 evinrude water pump cavitates in Reverse

[d18]

I just bought a '96 15hp Evinrude, runs like a top,
but when I put it in rev, the pisser stops.

I have ordered a new impeller, and plan to change it ASAP, but I am curious about whether or not there is a deflector of some kind that is supposed to be between the prop and the foot to deflect the exhaust away from the intake.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 15 evinrude water pump cavitates in Reverse

Now that's a new problem for me d18. No deflectors.

I would think that if the impeller has not been changed out for a few years and has lost it's memory, it would be possible for your problem to happen. The impeller isn't moving enough water to keep the water in the intake ports. The exhaust gasses, passing over the ports block, what flow there is, off.

Be interesting to hear how you make out after the impeller change