1988 johnson 48 special

Tim T.

Seaman
Joined
Dec 13, 2022
Messages
70
Hi , this is my first time using this site so forgive me if I make mistakes. so it is hard to turn over with plus in. turns over fine with plugs out. I put 1 plug in and starts and runs on 1 cylinder. I switch cylinders and it starts up again. Any ideas? Tnx in advance
 

Crosbyman

Vice Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
5,650
the starter needs to overcome compression and that requires all the volts/amps available from good and charged up battery.

first thing to do is clean all connections to/from the battery, inpect all crimps for oxydation .

clean all starter & solenoid connections shiny clean

the starter itself may be aging (weak) but do simple stuff first.

the engine runs on either cyl. so things are not all bad ! is this a new to you engine ?? is this s new/sudden issue that came up ?
 

Tim T.

Seaman
Joined
Dec 13, 2022
Messages
70
the starter needs to overcome compression and that requires all the volts/amps available from good and charged up battery.

first thing to do is clean all connections to/from the battery, inpect all crimps for oxydation .

clean all starter & solenoid connections shiny clean

the starter itself may be aging (weak) but do simple stuff first.

the engine runs on either cyl. so things are not all bad ! is this a new to you engine ?? is this s new/sudden issue that came up ?
Thanks for the quick reply ,I'll will check all connections and let you know
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,412
Inspect lower unit oil.-----For this issue I would charge the battery and have it load tested.-----Then take starter apart for inspection and ohm check on armature.-----Costs no beer tokens to take these steps!
 

Tim T.

Seaman
Joined
Dec 13, 2022
Messages
70
Inspect lower unit oil.-----For this issue I would charge the battery and have it load tested.-----Then take starter apart for inspection and ohm check on armature.-----Costs no beer tokens to take these steps!
Hi, I bought the boat about 6 months ago, I have redone the whole boat( a 1972 lucraft) it came with this motor. when I first bought it I tried starting it up for 5 sec. so I knew it ran. Now I changed the lower unit oil ,installed new water pump and now have this problem. I have not had a chance to do what crosbyman suggested yet but I will get to it soon. tnx for your reply, do you know what the armature should ohm out as?
 

Tim T.

Seaman
Joined
Dec 13, 2022
Messages
70
Tnx I won't be able to test until Thursday (out of town) I will let you know then
 

Crosbyman

Vice Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
5,650
Tim... not saying the starter is faulty or not & it is up to you but personally I would do the easy stuff... clean all contact points before openning up the starter .... progress from easy to more complicated stuff (relatively speaking) .
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,412
On a 34 year old motor I take starters apart for inspection.----Nothing to them.----Very easy.
 

Tim T.

Seaman
Joined
Dec 13, 2022
Messages
70
Tim... not saying the starter is faulty or not & it is up to you but personally I would do the easy stuff... clean all contact points before openning up the starter .... progress from easy to more complicated stuff (relatively speaking) .
Thank you for your instructions, I cleaned every connection I could find. I changed out 2 wires (they were cracked and old) , replaced several connector ends and it starts right up! Thanks again Tim
 

Crosbyman

Vice Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
5,650
tim, thanks for your feedback. I am glad that is all it was.

just feed that oldy good fuel and oil , check the gearcase oil has suggested . Always use new nylon washers on the GC and always check- drain and refill before freeze up.
 
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