CONTINUOUSWAVE

[A 1981 Johnson 90-HP outboard] had a major overhaul is 2005 and runs great, But on a recent outing the [engine] barely [shifted] into reverse. [The engine did not shift into reverse] until the throttle was engaged. Slow speed docking situations were tricky.

With the engine cowling removed and the shift cable disconnected, I can push the shift lever into gear without trouble.

[My diagnosis of the problem is] a loose bracket which holds the cable is being pushed back into the engine block, preventing it from going back far enough to engage reverse. [My diagnosis of the problem is] there may be too much play in the shift rod assembly, before it gets to the cable bracket.

Video is here: https://1drv.ms/v/s!AjnvnOoljRP3pXNTdn0 ... U?e=IDT6Nh

[Solicits help in remedy of the problem of the poor shifting into reverse.]

ASIDE: the engine powers my newly acquired 1981 MONTAUK 17.

Contact Dave/Doug at Lockman's, one of the oldest Evinrude dealers and a guru of older Johnson engines.

http://lockemans.com

Try adjusting the cable end by rotating [the cable end] to lengthen or shorten the cable. [This adjustment] may fix your problem. [Note] the cable [length] will change a little over use.

To perform service on your 1981 Johnson 90 outboard yourself, I recommend you obtain the factory service manual for that engine. The adjustment of the shifting mechanism should be given in the factory service manual, along with much other very useful information.

For OMC outboard engines of that era, there is a very precise adjustment required for the shift rod height. A shift rod height gauge is used to set the shift rod height.

The engine is 40-years-old. However, the shifting mechanism has likely not changed much in the last 40-years, and its adjustment should still be familiar to most factory-trained Johnson-Evinrude outboard engine technician-mechanics.

The existence of a loose bracket that holds the remote control shift cable in a fixed position does sound like a contributor to the problem.