1978 Johnson 70hp (starter/ignition switch)

J

Jayb123

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 9, 2011
Messages
410
Hey all.. figured I would ask for some help. Story goes like this..... I lost my keys and replaced igntion switch. When I turn the key the motor wont start. However, when the key is in the on position I can jump the motor and it runs fine. Then when I use the key to turn off the motor it turns off. I have checked 3-4 times to make sure the wires are correct to the switch before closing up the remote control. Any ideas or comments would be most appreciated. Yes I know im a knuckle head.... so we can omit those comments .. thx :D
 
H

Haffiman

Commander
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Dec 17, 2009
Messages
2,454
Re: 1978 Johnson 70hp (starter/ignition switch)

The yellow wire from the ignition switch goes through a micro switch inside the box that prevents starter to be activated when the box is not in neutral. Check that this switch is working properly.
 
J

Jayb123

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 9, 2011
Messages
410
Re: 1978 Johnson 70hp (starter/ignition switch)

Awesome... I will try this tomorrow and report back.. thanks.
 
B

bates8585

Recruit
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
3
Re: 1978 Johnson 70hp (starter/ignition switch)

I have a very similar problem but with a 1985 Johnson 40. Put a new key switch in and the motor will run as long as the black and yellow switch is disconnected at pack. If I connect the black and yellow wire at power pack on motor the motor dies. From what Iam finding on internet my problem is either Key switch (highly likely since I just replace) harness or shift switch. I am thinking about switching the 2 yellow and black wires on key switch. They are both labeled as M on switch. Not sure if this will make a lick of difference but I am grasping at straws. Any help out there is greatly appreciated.
 
B

bates8585

Recruit
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
3
Re: 1978 Johnson 70hp (starter/ignition switch)

Well today I disconnected the emergency shut off switch at the throttle/key switch and connected the black and yellow wire at the power pack and it did not change a thing. I can start the motor up but I cannot turn it off unless I disconnect the black and yellow wire at the power pack. The off setting on key switch does not work?? Could it be a bad key switch even though it is brand new??
 
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