1990 Johnson 140 Won't go into reverse

[AFishin69]

I have a 1990 Johnson 140 VRO. When I first started running the engine it shifted into reverse but gradualy it won't shift into reverse and when I put it reverse it goes forward. Also the the enigne is hard to find nutura. I have the poilt controls with the warm up lever. Forward gears run fine what do I need to adjust??

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1990 Johnson 140 Won't go into reverse

AFishin69 <br /><br />Disconnect the shift control cable at the motor and try shifting it manually. If this works, it's either a bad cable or problem in the control box. At least this will verify that the trouble is not in the lower unit.

 

[AFishin69]

Re: 1990 Johnson 140 Won't go into reverse

Thanks, for the quick response what kind of trouble could be in the lower unit?? I mean I think that it is in the throttle linkage somwhere. I mean I have to jiggle the throttle a little to find netural to fire it up... then it runs fine in forward gear just when I put the throttle for reverse it runs forward?? I will try.. It works sometimes so I think that it is hope.

 

[93bronco]

Re: 1990 Johnson 140 Won't go into reverse

i would start with the cables & control box as suggested above.<br />it could something as easy as a screw backing out in the control box that secures the cable.<br />it could be old cables that need to be replaced.<br />has anyone done any work to it lately?

 

[AFishin69]

Re: 1990 Johnson 140 Won't go into reverse

Yes, to your question. I had a cener mount throttle, that came with the motor, but switched to a sidee mount that I had from a 73 evinrude that fits better to my boat so the control box , it is old. It is mecanical shift so the throttle cables mounted the same. I had my mechanic wire it up and it worked fine a first but after a couple runs it has not gone into reverse it just goes foreward. First gear is fine, I will try adjustments, and idle is hard to fine s I think it is the cables.

 

[AFishin69]

Re: 1990 Johnson 140 Won't go into reverse

Yes, to your question. I had a cener mount throttle, that came with the motor, but switched to a sidee mount that I had from a 73 evinrude that fits better to my boat so the control box , it is old. It is mecanical shift so the throttle cables mounted the same. I had my mechanic wire it up and it worked fine a first but after a couple runs it has not gone into reverse it just goes foreward. First gear is fine, I will try adjustments, and idle is hard to fine s I think it is the cables.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1990 Johnson 140 Won't go into reverse

Hi Bailey...<br /><br />Here's another little something to try.<br /><br />With both the shift and throttle cables disconnected, Put them out where you can watch the ends and you operate the controls. The shift cable should always operate first from neutral. Watch the end of the shift cable. It should move in oposite directions for forward and reverse.<br /><br />Does the control handle or warm up lever seem lose? Do you feel any kind of dragging in the controls when you operated them?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1990 Johnson 140 Won't go into reverse

OBJ gives good advice

 

[AFishin69]

Re: 1990 Johnson 140 Won't go into reverse

Thanks OBJ.<br />I will try to solve it. I took it out on the lake yesterday. I watched when I moved the throttle foreward and reverse (Connected.) It moves the same direction. To start it, I have to shift it slightly foreward, and then it is automatcally in gear. The warm up lever makes it go foreward too. So I will check. The controls are old so that might be the problem. Where is the screw in the above post that i can back out??

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1990 Johnson 140 Won't go into reverse

AFishin'...<br /><br />I would not take the rig out until I have opened the control box for a peek.<br /><br />You have "something" terribly amiss inside there.<br /><br />Could be a worn out roller or lever broken. But do look. This is a dangerous way to run the rig. <br /><br />Parts for the control are still available. I would also recommend that if you are not familiar with the controls internals, take it to a mech for an estimate. New controls run around $190 (take or give).

 

[AFishin69]

Re: 1990 Johnson 140 Won't go into reverse

OBJ what do you reccomed? I will look and get back to ya. Where is the cheapest place to get controls?? Used or new?