Won't start sometimes. Help please!

[codyhunter]

I have a 1991 110hp Johnson on a Stratos. Every now and then when I turn the key over I hear a high pitch sound that fades to a low pitch sound within 2 to 5 seconds and the engine will not start. I can move my throttle lever back and forth a few times and that seems to allow it to start but it does not work all the time. It is very sporadic as to when it wants to act up. I can fish days at a time and everything is fine and other days it does it every time I try to start. I've tried priming the oil but I can't tell if it helps or not. I am not familiar with what the warning sounds sound like but this sound is not very loud, only lasts a few seconds, and has happened right off the trailer and after the engine is warmed up. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Won't start sometimes. Help please!

Start by removing and cleaning the battery cables and terminals -- at both ends. Sounds like some loose and/or corroded connections.

 

[codyhunter]

Re: Won't start sometimes. Help please!

I've searched all the wiring for corrosion and tightness and there doesn't seem to be a problem there. It has a brand new battery on it and the problem still persists. Just from my observation I think it has something to do with my prop neutral button/throttle mechanism but I've never seen the inside of it to know how to troubleshoot the problem. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[ob]

Re: Won't start sometimes. Help please!

Where is the high pitch sound coming from.The control box?The engine?<br /><br />Your last explanation leads me in the direction of the neutral safety switch within the (throttle lever) control box.Not sure if you have later model controls with the OMC system check feature ,but if so this feature emits a short chirp when the key is initially turned on.Sorry I can't be of any more help.

 

[codyhunter]

Re: Won't start sometimes. Help please!

Well thanks for the help. I haven't tried this yet but a friend of mine told me that I might be turning the key too fast. He said that the computer goes through a check cycle and that I should try turning the key on and waiting a few seconds before trying to start the motor. I really hope that's all it is. Thanks again.

 

[ob15]

Re: Won't start sometimes. Help please!

I could be wrong but I don't think a 1991 outboard has a computer. I would check all the electrical connection again. Don't just look at them take them apart & clean them. Even the grounds. Good luck.

 

[dc in ms]

Re: Won't start sometimes. Help please!

Sounds like an alarm coming on and then fading out. <br /><br />I would try and set off alarm / horn on your boat by short circuiting water temp sensor or any other sensors that would activate alarm, or somehow sending power to the horn alarm to activate it....whatever it takes to activate horn.. This way you can at least rule this out.<br /><br />On my boat the small horn alarm is in the remote control but kind of tricky getting to it. I can trigger the alarm easily by locating the temp warning sensor on motor (which is next to thermostat) and following it's wire to plug connection. I unplug this connection and then ground the side going to remote. The horn alarms.<br /><br />Good luck