85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

[got2play]

On my last outing i was having trouble starting my engine and after 5 or 6 tries I turned the key and got nothing, no click, or anything. I replaced my ignition switch, starter solenoid, and the 20 amp ignition fuse, and still I get nothing. With jumper cables the starter works fine, i also checked all the ohm readings on my switch and it seems fine. Here is my current status. I turn the key and push in and the choke works, as well as all the ignition accessories, when I turn to the start position.... nothing. With jumper cables the starter engages. Please help.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

The engine won't start unless the control box is in neutral. Check the neutral start switch inside the control box. If that switch does not think the shifter is in the neutral orientation, it won't provide the circuit to permit engine start.

 

[got2play]

Re: 85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

Thanks for the quick response. Can I jump that switch out by connecting the 2 wires together?

 

[F_R]

Re: 85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

On my last outing i was having trouble starting my engine and after 5 or 6 tries I turned the key and got nothing, no click, or anything. I replaced my ignition switch, starter solenoid, and the 20 amp ignition fuse, and still I get nothing. With jumper cables the starter works fine, i also checked all the ohm readings on my switch and it seems fine. Here is my current status. I turn the key and push in and the choke works, as well as all the ignition accessories, when I turn to the start position.... nothing. With jumper cables the starter engages. Please help.

What year 85?? Shift not in neutral?? Throttle advanced too far?? Not meaning to be a wise guy, but instead of buying a switch and solenoid you should have bought a cheap multimeter and learn how to use it. That would pinpoint the problem. They are sold all over the place for less than ten bucks. But if you already have the meter and know how to use it, that's what you need to do.

 

[got2play]

Re: 85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

Its a 1978 Model # 85ML78C_1978 and I do have a multimeter and I do know how to use it. You might try a little more tact when responding thanks

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

Yes, you can bypass the switch. The switch provides and open circuit when in forward or neutral. You need to have continuity through the switch for starting, so you can test the swtich with a continuity tester-then temporarily bypass (it till you replace the switch) so that you can get back on the water.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

Did you replace the solenoid with an auto one or marine one. Marine one's are self grounding, auto one's aren't. I have an auto one, I had to ground the solenoid body in order for it to work, just a thought.

 

[got2play]

Re: 85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

Ok I bypassed the nuetral switch and still got nothing. I will take a bunch of voltage readings and post them to try and figure this out. I replaced the solenoid with a marine type purchased here on iboats.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

You getting power to the small terminal on the solenoid when the key is turned to the start position?

 

[cougar1985]

Re: 85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

many no start problems are the result of rotted battery cables.you may get enough juice to show a reading on gauges but will not start a motor.something to look closely at ,very closely.

 

[Johnsonfan14]

Re: 85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

try playing with the red plug and see if you could have corrosion in it.it could also be loose.hope that helps

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 85 HP Johnson Ignition Problem

Did you check the key switch? With a factory wiring diagram, you can check continuity through to the red plug under the cowling.