boat will not go forward, but reverse works fine, prop spins slowly for

[Watreiler]

Hi, hopefully somebody can help. I have a Johnson 90 hp Ocean Pro 2001. Just took it out for a spin first time since winter and found out forward does not work. Reverse works fine and while in neutral the engine will rev in either forward or reverse. Prop will spin very slowly when placed in forward, but not nearly fast enough for thrust. Does anybody have an idea on what the problem might be. It is not hub slip I have checked that already by marking straight line across cotterpin on prop.

 

[Watermann]

So there were no symptoms of an issue last year before lay up? If you haven't serviced the LU then drain the gear oil and see what's on the magnet. While spinning the prop have someone move the shift lever into forward and see if it locks into gear or just makes a clicking noise. Make sure they don't try to start it instead, remove the key and put it in your pocket. If it doesn't lock into gear check the linkage and shift lever under the cowl for movement.

 

[82rude]

Do you feel it kick into forward.?It can only be a couple of things.A. spun hub,B prop or main shaft broken,C not properly adjusted cables.

 

[Watreiler]

No symptoms that I was aware of... I did service lower unit and minimal shavings were found. The shift lever under cowl does move. I does not spin when in forward or reverse but spins freely when in neutral.

 

[Watreiler]

82rude I cannot feel it click into gear like when I put in reverse. Maybe a cable problem?

 

[Watreiler]

Ok now I really don't know what to think. Boat is sitting in driveway and now prop spins both for and backwards? The only change was a warm up in temperature. I've got no idea what to think. I did notice that when I place into reverse and then adjust to neutral the prop keeps spinning backwards until I place a little bit forward then it stops.

 

[Chris1956]

Johnson outboards shift into forward by pulling up on the shift lever. Check the linkage (usually) under the lower carbs and see if shift lever itself is moving. The shift cable and linkage on the motor can have enough "give" to overcome a binding or frozen shift rod.

Post back on findings.

 

[steelespike]

Disconnect the shift cable and try by hand.

 

[roffey]

just wondering if the impeller was changed. I know with the I/O if the don't put the shift in forward to take the lower unit off and back on some times the linkage will not line up? Just a guess as I am not an outboard guy.

 

[Watermann]

just wondering if the impeller was changed. I know with the I/O if the don't put the shift in forward to take the lower unit off and back on some times the linkage will not line up? Just a guess as I am not an outboard guy.

What happens to these OB's in that case is they turn the shift shaft and take it out of adjustment.