1978 70hp Johnson - Starts as Soon as the Battery is Connected

[PutPut1]

Hi. I have a 70hp Johnson that wouldn't start this spring, I was just getting the single click from the solenoid. Got a new solenoid today, dropped it in the garage before I hooked it up and broke the end off...However I figured I'd try it anyways just to see if that was in fact the problem. Got it hooked up the same way the old one was (taped the broken end on temporarily), went to hook the battery up and as soon as I touched the positive wire to the terminal it started to turn over. So that was good, even with the new solenoid broken I now know that was the issue. The key wasn't even in the ignition. As far as I know everything is hooked up the same, I've attached an old vs new solenoid picture to prove that right.

So, what would be making it do this? To me it seems to have hotwired itself. Is there something different about my connection or is this an ignition issue? Why is power being sent continuously to the starter without turning the key?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[jimmbo]

I suggest you buy another Solenoid. DO NOT DROP IT! Undamaged parts can make a difference

 

[PutPut1]

I do plan to buy another, that one won't do. Would it be that simple though?

 

[jimmbo]

Well if you want to be sure, buy a new starter motor, new ignition switch, wiring harness, interrupt switch, battery cables, and battery as well

 

[GA_Boater]

I do plan to buy another, that one won't do. Would it be that simple though?

It;s turning over because you dropped it and broke off the working end. It's now shorted just as if you were turning the key.

 

[PutPut1]

Excellent thank you GA_Boater, I didn't realize it would do that but it does make sense. Obviously the drop was a slip but the shop was closed by the time it happened. I'll get another and try it out. Much appreciated.

 

[emdsapmgr]

There are two relatively inexpensive components which can cause starter to seem as if it's always "electrically on." One is the solenoid itself, the other is the key switch. Key switches can get water in them over time, causing a dead short-to always start. The other is the starter solenoid. Possible that something is damaged inside the solenoid, causing it to always be shorted to "run." Normally the constant start feature occurs when the solenoid contacts get burned over many thousands of starts, causing them to actually lock together in the "on" position. Only way you'd really know this is to do some destructive testing on it.

 

[jimmbo]

He did the destructive testing on the new Solenoid before he installed it

 

[boobie]

IMHO, try another solenoid first.