Outboard jet question

[Prohunter270]

I have a 1988 88 hp Johnson with a jet pump. Was fishing today and went to put in reverse and it acts like it has no power in reverse. The clam shell goes into place. Plenty of power in forward. Any help?

[wildmanoutdoors]

Strange. If your gate is fully up.

[zike]

Does your cam gate have notches and is the cam roller in the notch when you are in reverse?

[Prohunter270]

Yes it is fully up and in the notch. Seems like it's about half power, but full power in forward..

[zike]

Your never going to have full power in reverse.

[Pinetar]

How long have you had this boat and outboard jet?

[hollymaster]

Your never going to have full power in reverse.

[Prohunter270]

Only had it for a month. I've taken it out 5 times and reverse has worked great. Then this weekend I was going to back off trailer and it wouldn't work

[zike]

It's got to be a linkage problem, maybe the reverse gate isn't fully engaging with the motor running. The force of the water could be keeping the gate from fully closing.

[Prohunter270]

Zike, I never thought of that. The pressure from pump might be keeping it down in water. I will back it in lake and walk back and check. Thanks!