1961? Johnson 40hp

[scottjefferson]

Im getting a big current draw with the key in the run position, only when you connect the wires to the engine. I hooked up the points but wasnt sure since I didnt take it apart.The key switch will get hot and wires were already damaged. I dont have a diagram and dont know much on these, any help would be appreciated.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 1961? Johnson 40hp

If you connected the ignition system to the starting system, there you go. That's a Magneto. It produces it's own spark independant of the battery. You probably need points, coils, and condensers now.

 

[scottjefferson]

Re: 1961? Johnson 40hp

this was the way that it was wired when my neighbor got it, he replaced the coils, points,condensers,when we noticed it was drawing current (switch getting hot), we just ran it in the off position. It may have fried something else but seems to run fine. Is there a charge coil on these to recharge the battery? Im an auto mechanic, this is the first outboard ive messed with and Im not stupid,so spare the arrogant remarks and give me something i can use like a diagram.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1961? Johnson 40hp

Nope. Unless there's a generator on that engine (opposite side from the starter), there's no charging system.<br /><br />As someone already pointed out, supplying 12 volts to the points will burn out the coils right quick like.<br /><br />The only thing the battery is used for on that engine is to run the starter. Once it's started the battery does nothing.<br /><br />It sounds like you may have put an automotive ignition switch on the boat. You need an OMC switch with 5 or 6 terminals.<br /><br />B -- 12V from the battery<br />A -- Accessories. This one comes on when you turn the switch on. Use for radio or other.<br />S -- Solenoid. This one feeds 12v to the starter solenoid when you put the switch in start position.<br />M -- There will be two of these M terminals. Two small wires..could be black, or brown. One connects to each of the M terminals. These wires communicate with the points and are connected to the two small black wires that come from under the flywheel. One of them connects directly to the wire. The other connects indirectly, through the vacuum cutoff switch. Never put 12 volts on these wires. It will burn your coils out. When you turn the switch off, it connects these two terminals shorting the points together and killing the engine.<br /><br />There's one other wire, if your motor has an electric choke. That one attaches to the C terminal on 6 terminal switches. You push the key in to activate the choke. I have mine wired to a separate pushbutton, with power supplied from the A terminal.<br /><br />The one thing that's for certain is that you can't use an automotive switch. Go to the local marine supply store and buy a switch for OMC engines. It will have the markings you need.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: 1961? Johnson 40hp

The 1961 had no charging system under the flywheel like later models. Some 1961's had a generator that ran from a belt to the flywheel. If you have that, it will be on the side opposite the starter motor. <br /><br />The ignition system function is independent of the battery and that motor will run with/without a battery. The battery is only used to spin the starter motor and power lights and accessories. Here is a typical starting circuit courtesy of another iboats member, Xcusme:<br />

<br /><br />EDIT: oops, cat beat me to it.

 

[lark2004]

Re: 1961? Johnson 40hp

Hi Scott,<br /><br />here's a diagram of the complete wiring harness. It's a bit big, but to reduce the size too much makes it hard to read<br /><br />

<br /><br />P.S.<br />No one made any arrogent remark toward you, we are just trying to help. <br />When it was pointed out to you that you probably need to replace the coils points and condensers, it was coming from expreiance. <br />Many of us here own these older engines, and know how they work, and what kills them.<br />No-one was insulting your intelegance, or mechanical skills.<br /><br />You asked for help, we try and give it. Don't attack people if the reponse you get isn't what you want to hear.

 

[cmendrek23]

Re: 1961? Johnson 40hp

I see in the diagram that the white wire off the vacuum cut off runs to the second terminal of the ign solenoid. Is this true and will it cause my engine not to start? All i have wired up is the starter no other wires are connected to anything. Any info is appreciated!

 

[knehdn]

Re: 1961? Johnson 40hp

Here's a schematic of my 1961 Johnson 40hp model RDS-23.