Johnson doesn`t want to go in reverse

[zoso]

With the water hose hooked up reverse is no problem, BUT, when under load ,in the water ,reverse produces alot of clicking noise and no propulsion.
Does the lower unit need replaceing or is there something that may not be adjusted right?

[macojoe]

Try adjusting the cable, I had the same problem and it just took a adjustment.

[zoso]

Thanks MJ, I`ll give it a try.

[Stillrunning]

Does the shifter seem to be sticky when moving from forward to reverse?

[nymack66]

Remove the cowling, on the Starboard side you will observe the three positions of what I called the shifter rod connected down to the lower unit, the cable from the shift lever is pinned to it. Have someone shift the lever in reverse the position of the connector clearly shows you if its all the way back, if not a simple adjustment is needed, shift to forward an verify it travels completely forward. I disconnected mine (cable) and did this same procedure and got it perfect the first time.
Rule the cable at all times should be adjusted to allow the shifter rod to travel completely in both directions.
As for the actual problem you reported it very well could me more than just adjustment
PS I own a 1987 v4 140 Evinrude

[THEFERMANATOR]

Like above posters have stated, could simply be the cable adjustment. If somebody has recently had the lower unit off though, and that is when it started doing it. Then most likely they got the shift rod height off. The shift rod has to be adjusted within an 1/8" or else it won't go into gear fully. Take the cable loose and shift it by hand and se if it feels like it goes all the way in or not. If when you manually engage it into gear it feels spongy when you put it in, then most likely the height is off on the shift rod. It should have a solid positive feel when it goes into gear.

[Skools Out]

as Ferm said but you can adjust the rod length without removing the lower unit. take out rod bolt (don't lose it) push rod down the lift the pivit part and turn carefully with needle nose.

[zoso]

I was hoping I could get some good advice here, and it seems I have.
I`ll give all those suggestions a try and post the results.
Thanks guys!!

[Stillrunning]

Originally Posted by zoso

I was hoping I could get some good advice here, and it seems I have.
I`ll give all those suggestions a try and post the results.
Thanks guys!!

I not sure if you answered but does it fell stiff when trying to shift from foward to reverse or reverse to forward?

[zoso]

Stillrunning,
I didnt notice any stiffness in the engagement of the lever, but then again i wasn`t looking for it either, next time I`ll pay more attention to it.
I know this hasn`t helped u much, so lets say it wasn`t stiff for conversation purposes.