1986 140 Starts Randomly--Need Remote Wiring Harness

[scowman]

My 1986 Johnson V4 140 has started randomly a few times recently. This is when the key is in the on position.

Obviously a short circuit somewhere but any ideas where to look first? Possibly a short in the solenoid? Replaced the key switch and the neutral safety switch and still getting this problem.

I have a related problem with the kill circuit constantly grounded. Possibly a massive short circuit somewhere. Hoping its not below deck because I don't want to have to run a new harness through there...

All thoughts are welcome.

 

[emoney]

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Start by checking your connections. They can "look" ok, but not be. Do you have a way to know if other components are getting power when this problem occurs, i.e. radio, vhf, etc?

 

[scowman]

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Start by checking your connections. They can "look" ok, but not be. Do you have a way to know if other components are getting power when this problem occurs, i.e. radio, vhf, etc?

Will check those. Checking other instruments while the condition happens will be tough as the randomness of it scares the hell out of me. All of a sudden the motor lights off in the driveway, no water hooked up, and I'm trying to find a way to shut her off.

I like the idea though. Those accessories might give a tell to the short.

Maybe I can simulate the problem without the starter engaging...

 

[boobie]

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Put the muffs on it when trouble shooting. Other wise you'll be replaceing a water pump.

 

[slimjohnson]

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

main power lead under motor hood can short to the starter solenoid. That happened on mine. Also have seen Power lead shorted to bottom of air silencer housing

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

check the plug under the cowling for moisture that can do all sorts of wierd things

 

[scowman]

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

I found the problem. The remote control harness under the deck was rotted and shorted in several places. Green corrosion in places.

Need new harness but they are obsolete.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

call a marine scrap yard theres pleanty of remotes that are trashed due to bushings etc but the wiring is still good. might be a good idea to also change the tread title to "1986 140 starts randomly need new remote wiring harness". there are some nice people on here that collect motors and boats that might have a spare. to change title go to original post then edit then go advanced change title and save changes.

 

[scowman]

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Re: 1986 140 Starts Randomly

Thanks for the headline tip.