Adjustment of speed in forward and in reverse

[frankk]

Folks, I have a 87 Johnson 90HP with (I am assuming) an 1987 throttle assembly. The boat is a 1975 so maybe the throttle assembly it is original.. In any event, I have to go almost to 11:00 before I can get it moving. Same thing in reverse, about 1:00. That seems normal. All my other experience (even with my current boat) is that at about 10:00 I am at half speed. It gets hard when I have to jamb into reverse as I almost have to go 150 degrees to see reverse dig in. Any thoughts? The boat was pulled yesterday so I can easily see what is going on from a ground perspective. Frank in Antioch, IL

 

[F_R]

Re: Adjustment of speed in forward and in reverse

????Isn't it almost at 10 when it fully clicks into forward gear? Can't say I've ever measured it, but that doesn't sound unusual. Once in forward "click" it will take a bit more movement to start opening the throttle. Most of that is due to slack within the throttle cable as it goes from pull mode to push mode. I'd consider your set-up to be normal.

 

[frankk]

Re: Adjustment of speed in forward and in reverse

Yep it clicks at normal, say 11:00 but I have to do almost 9:30 before it give me more gas. Then almost 9:00 for full speed.

 

[F_R]

Re: Adjustment of speed in forward and in reverse

Heck, I have to go past 9:00 to get full throttle on mine. Relax, it's normal

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Adjustment of speed in forward and in reverse

Like others have already mentioned your condition is likely normal. However, it's possible you have excessive play in the throttle cable. Remove the cable end from the throttle linkage at the engine and see how much play there is - a new cable won't have much play at all, maybe 1/4 inch at the most. Also try having someone move the throttle while you watch the cable end for lost motion.