1969 Johnson - won't start

[GordonL]

I ran my boat for about an hour the other day.<br />It has a 1969 Johnson 40HP w/electric start and no charging system.The next day when I tried to start it, it turned over, but wouldn't start. The battery soon died and I put it on the charger. The same thing happened the next time I tried to start it.<br /><br />Now with a fully charged battery (or even another battery)all it does is make a click sound.The motor doesn't turn over at all.The gear on the starter does not spin or move up to engage the flywheel. <br /><br />I don't know anything about these outboards, but I would appreciate any help.<br /><br />Thanks, Gordon

 

[REELSPORT]

Re: 1969 Johnson - won't start

If you are sure you have a good battery you might want to check the connection at the battery and the starter connection to make sure they are not weather hurt. Should all this check out get a volt meter and make sure you are getting 12 volts at the starter if you are you may have starter problems. ( be sure and not wind starter for more than a few seconds at the time as this will tend to ruin a starter ) good luck

 

[REELSPORT]

Re: 1969 Johnson - won't start

Also you might trying to short out the starter switch with a screw driver it could be bad.

 

[GordonL]

Re: 1969 Johnson - won't start

Tried the screwdriver at the solenoid.<br />Same thing, just click (once).

 

[Droll]

Re: 1969 Johnson - won't start

Try turning the starter by hand , does turn freely ?<br />If it does it sounds like a bad connection , clean ALL junction points in the circuit ( from battery to the starter ).<br />The "click" you hear is the solenoid .<br />Try reading THIS fag .<br />Good luck , keep posting

 

[REELSPORT]

Re: 1969 Johnson - won't start

sounds like you need to check all connections between battery and starter I think your problem lies there. good luck

 

[GordonL]

Re: 1969 Johnson - won't start

I read the FAQ that you refered to (outboard won't start). If I understand the test procedure correctly I think the problem is with my starter.<br />12V at the battery, 12V at the solenoid and 12V at the positive lug on the starter (grounded to engine).<br /><br />The solenoid does make one click sound when the key is turned to start but the starter does not spin and the bendix gear does not move up to engage the flywheel.<br /><br />This is on a 1969 Johnson 40HP (no charging system), am I likely to find a starter for an engine this old? Can it be re-built, and could an automotive shop do this?<br /><br />Thanks to everyone for your help. This boat is hardly worth the cost to take it to a real mechanic, so if I can fix it that would be great.

 

[GordonL]

Re: 1969 Johnson - won't start

I read the FAQ that you refered to (outboard won't start). If I understand the test procedure correctly I think the problem is with my starter.<br />12V at the battery, 12V at the solenoid and 12V at the positive lug on the starter (grounded to engine).<br /><br />The solenoid does make one click sound when the key is turned to start but the starter does not spin and the bendix gear does not move up to engage the flywheel.<br /><br />This is on a 1969 Johnson 40HP (no charging system), am I likely to find a starter for an engine this old? Can it be re-built, and could an automotive shop do this?<br /><br />Thanks to everyone for your help. This boat is hardly worth the cost to take it to a real mechanic, so if I can fix it that would be great.