1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

Tonygotskilz

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Apr 19, 2003
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Ok i have another post going about my shift problem, which i think i've handled, but now i can't get the motor to turn over at all...<br /><br />I checked the battery its got a full charge (with a multimeter) and everything is connected. The toggle switch for the choke works, and you can see the choke move on the engine, but when you turn the key NOTHING happens, the flywheel doesn't spin... nothing...<br /><br />It started just fine last week when i was working on the shift problem but all i touched was the shift wires (its a hydro-electric btw) so what would be causing it not to turn over now? <br /><br />I did get the overheat warning horn last time i tried to start it when it was working (last week) but i figured it was because something grounded out, is there something on the motor that needs resetting after you get the horn? This is really odd to me, never had a problem starting it before...<br /><br />Anyone have any clue whats going on? What should i check for? and where should i check, it looks as if every wire in the engine is connected fine and i check the one fuse i could find in the engine (a really little round fuse)... I'm baffeled?
 

JB

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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

Hi, Tony.<br /><br />The "Outboard Wont Start" article in the FAQ section has detailed , step by step, instructions for troubleshooting electrical causes of no-start.<br /><br />Check it out, and let us know what you find.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 

R.Johnson

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Sep 24, 2003
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Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

Jump the starter directly to the battery, if it won't turn over, you have a bad starter. Jump the battery to the solenoid, if it won't click, that is bad. Have you given any thought's to a trade on this engine?
 

Tonygotskilz

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Apr 19, 2003
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Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

Thanx for the help guys...actually i'm trying to get this dang motor to work so i can sell the boat and motor and get something bigger eventually.... I think my problem was with the starter relay, and if it wasn't it is now, cause one of the bolts on the side (theres 2 on the side and 2 biggers ones, one on top and one on bottom) was rusted and in trying to get it off i snapped it so i'm gonna need a new starter relay now either way. My roomate who's an airplane mechanic, said that it was most likely the relay because when trying to start the motor the multimeter when reading volts should say 0 if your touching one end to the top and one end to the bottom bolts... and it didn't so he says the switch inside the relay isn't working.... Either way since i broke it i'm gonna need a new one any clue where to look and how much ???
 

R.Johnson

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Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

Is there by chance, a cloud over you, and this motor when your working on it? Just wondering! Since your in Florida, have you given any thought to a sea burial? All you need is an ironing board, and a running boat. " I'm kidding of course" hope you get that thing running.
 

Tonygotskilz

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Apr 19, 2003
Messages
38
Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

Yeah i'm pretty sure this motor hates me, i wanna sell it so bad but its not going anywhere unless its working =(...
 

Solittle

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Apr 28, 2002
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7,518
Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

How hot did that motor get? Can you turn the flywheel by hand?<br /><br />Also check all cables for corrosion & thoroughly clean all connections. Does the solinoid at least "click"?
 

Tonygotskilz

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Apr 19, 2003
Messages
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Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

nope nothing clicks at all, but the flywheel is easy to turn by hand, and it never really overheated i only ran it for about 2min's tops i think it gave me the horn because of a short
 

Tonygotskilz

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Apr 19, 2003
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Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

So anyone know where i can get a starter relay for this motor? i was thinking an automotive one might work they do the same thing, anyone know where i should look or have any experience with these?
 

v12mac

Chief Petty Officer
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Oct 30, 2003
Messages
502
Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

I have to chime in here. Never use automotive electrical parts on your boat. They are not protected against sparking. Even if you find a starter that will fit you can get into serious trouble if it sparks and there are fumes in the engine area. <br /><br />Mac
 

papasage

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 12, 2003
Messages
785
Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

tony i have used ford type sulidnoid s on my 50 hp for years never had a probablem . had a 74 and a73 and a62 40 hp and66 33 hp. still have the 66 and 73. they will work fine . the 50 i had to cut the post to the little wire a bit to git the hood down.papasage
 

papasage

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Jan 12, 2003
Messages
785
Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

tony there is a inline fuse on the powerhead . and the nutral safty switch . jump the cylidnoid like you would on a older ford product.papasage
 

Tonygotskilz

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Apr 19, 2003
Messages
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Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

Hey papasage... I talked to you awhile back about the lower unit for my johnson, turned out i didn't need that, well how much do you want for the relay soloniod? I just priced it at some website and they said 36 new plus shipping.... E-mail me with your price and addy so i can mail you a money order.... Tonygotskilz@aol.com Thanx i need it as soon as possible
 

Tonygotskilz

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Apr 19, 2003
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Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

where would you jump the fuse exactly? cause i'm only 22 i'm not to familiar with old fords... lol...
 

rodbolt

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Sep 1, 2003
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20,066
Re: 1972 johnson 50hp Won't turn over at all (long)

hello<br /> papasage. please dont give advice to use non approved auto parts on marine engines. I am glad you have had good luck with yours. however I have had to help pick up the pieces of boats and one boater that was not so lucky.<br /> good luck and keep posting.<br /> PS they think the guy was alive all the way to the parkinglot. the landing did him in:(
 
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