1973 Johnson 50hp 50ESL73R not starting

[Gonzoman89]

So I just purchased my first boat. A 1983 sea nymph 16.6ft aluminum V hull boat. The motor is a 50hp Johnson ESL73R. I checked the compression, changed the lower unit oil, the plugs, cleaned the carbs and changed the impeller. I took it out a few days ago and u set my pole on the key. I pushed it down on the steering wheel and actually bent the key. I trolled around for about 30 minutes and when I went to leave the motor would not turn over. It smelled like electronics when I took off the cover. I was able to start the motor with a pull rope. I figured the solenoid blew so I ordered one and replaced it today. I still get nothing when I turn the key. I checked all the connections and verified they were good. So my question is if I should check anything else before I replace the starter? Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[racerone]

???----Check the fuse.---If it is no good you need to find out why.

 

[Gonzoman89]

Im a total novice when it comes to this so sorry for the dumb question. where is the fuse? ill look tomorrow, i just would like to be pointed in the right direction. T
hanks!

 

[Gonzoman89]

I found the fuse and checked it. It looks good. Anything else guys?

 

[lmuss53]

When you turn the key does the solenoid click? Check to see if turning the key to the start position sends power to the low voltage side of the solenoid, it probably isn't. There is a neutral switch that keeps the motor from starting in gear, that could be failed or not adjusted properly. If you can jump across the solenoid and get the starter to turn over it is not the starter.

What happened with the key again, I don't quite understand?

 

[Gonzoman89]

Right when it stopped working I could hear the solenoid click when I turned the key. After I put the new one on the click no longer happens. I put the old one back on just to see and it no longer clicked either. I tried arcing across the solenoid when I was on the water stranded and it did nothing. I also tried using a jumper cable directly from the battery straight to the starter and I got a spark but nothing happened as far as the starter working. The whole thing with the key is Im pretty sure when I wedged my pole down by the wheel that I had the key turned to the "start" position for about 30 minutes. Idk if that is enough to break it or if that was something that may have caused this to happen. When I get home I'm going to remove the starter and take it apart and see if it's scorched inside. I'll post pics when I get to that point

 

[rolmops]

Having the key turned in the start position for half an hour must have drained the battery. I would start with recharging the battery and dependent on whether or not it starts with the charged battery go look for additional problems like the switch.You may have fried the switch and maybe some wires as well.