1972 johnson 50hp ?

[mikep1220]

hi i just bought a 72 johnson 50 hp.the control had no key so i want to change the ignition. the only way i made sure the engine runs is to use jumpers on the starter solinoid. when the engine turned it was in gear. the guy told me once i change the ignition it will go into neutral until i shift into gear. from my understanding it is electric shift so i want to know if anyone on here would know if once i do change the ignition will it go into neutral. any help would be great. thanks in advance

 

[BIGcarpy50]

Re: 1972 johnson 50hp ?

Mike i hate to be the one to tell you but i have heard bad things about the electric shift motors from the early 70's depending on what you paid for it i would get rid of it and look for a 73-up i found one for 400 and it's awesome...these ones also are mechanical **** and i have no problems finding parts....

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1972 johnson 50hp ?

Look on the face of the switch, where the key goes in, and see if there is a number on it. The number is not very big. Take that number to your dealer and see if they can get you a key. If you keep the lower unit oil clean and the water out, those electric shift motors work well. It is electric shift, so you must supply voltage to it for it to work.

 

[mikep1220]

Re: 1972 johnson 50hp ?

thanks i have heard mixed feelings about these motors. i paid 600 for it and it seems to be a good motor so far as it turns right over. the o
nly problem i have is the ignition. i opened up the box itself and some wires and spliced too. is it normal for the 2 white wires on the shift solinoid not to be connected to anything? also, so the guy is right about when i change the ignition it will run in neutral? thanks again

 

[F_R]

Re: 1972 johnson 50hp ?

thanks i have heard mixed feelings about these motors. i paid 600 for it and it seems to be a good motor so far as it turns right over. the o
nly problem i have is the ignition. i opened up the box itself and some wires and spliced too. is it normal for the 2 white wires on the shift solinoid not to be connected to anything? also, so the guy is right about when i change the ignition it will run in neutral? thanks again

"Shift solenoid"??? I think you mean shift switch. The two white wires are to prevent you from starting it in gear. If they are disconnected, somebody has disabled or messed with the feature.

The key has to be turned on to send electricity to the shift switch. Of course, not turned on, no electricity and no shifting and it will be defaulted to forward gear.

Buy a new ignition switch if you want to, but I'd buy a new key instead. It isn't like they don't make keys anymore.

 

[mikep1220]

Re: 1972 johnson 50hp ?

yepp thats its shift switch.the white wires are not connected to anything. there are only 3 wires connected to this switch.i think a horn is sapoused to be in there too.do you need the horn as well ? ? sorry for all the questions. this is my first outboard. thanks for all the answers.im gussing i have to call a dealer for a key correct?