90 hp Johnson wont stay running

[ej13sc]

I have a 1997 90 hp Johnson OceanRunner outboard. When I try to start the engine, it will start up and run for several minutes like normal. However, if I turn the engine off and try again, the ignition will make a grinding noise and the engine will not start up again. If I let the engine sit for a day, this will repeat.

First I treated the fuel, and changed the fuel/water separator, and then I drained the carburetors to ensure there was no water in the motor. I then sprayed carb cleaner inside the inlets for each carb. I ensured the gas bulb was tight and fuel was flowing into the VRO pump.

I tried starting up the motor, and it worked fine as described above. Unfortunately, consecutive attempts to start to engine resulted in the grinding noise. Even when I hook up a jump-box, this still occurs.

It's 74 degrees out here in SC, and I need to take this baby out.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[DJ]

Re: 90 hp Johnson wont stay running

1. Disconnect the battery.

2. Clean the battery terminals and cable lugs.

3. With the battery STILL DISCONNECTED, remove the NEGATIVE battery terminal from the engine block. Clean the cable lug-thoroughly. The same with the bolt threads. Reinstall.

4. Repeat the process with the positive lead on the solenoid. Reinstall.

5. Connect battery.

Note: While the battery is disconnected, "walk" the starter pinion gear up the starter shaft. It will only "walk" up one way. Clean the shaft and apply a LIGHT oil to the shaft.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 90 hp Johnson wont stay running

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad