1989 40 hp Johnson ignition switch

[Oldpoppa]

It’s been a while since I’ve worked on outboard ignition switches but something doesn’t seem right.
I just purchased the boat so have no prior knowledge of the history.

the motor starts and runs great as long as the switch is in the start position however the ignition switch is not spring loaded back to the on (center) position. If I manually take it out of start and turn it to the center position, the engine dies.
what am I missing, does the starter have a cutout relay?
Switch incorrectly wired?
Shorted switch?

 

[Silvertip]

Replace the switch. The key should spring back to RUN position when released in the START position. It is likely incorrectly wired as well as it should not stop in RUN position. That engine has a magneto system and stops when the ignition system is grounded. It runs when the stop circuit is an open circuit. "A" terminal is accessory power "B" is battery +, "S" is starter solenoid, and "C" is choke (push in on key). There are two "M" terminals (magneto) one is ground and the other is the magneto circuit. In the RUN and START positions these two terminals are open circuit. In the OFF position they are closed circuit.

 

[Oldpoppa]

Thanks for the response. That’s the way I thought It should work. All my experience has been with Mercurys.


Have to ask, is that a Citabria?

 

[Silvertip]

Thanks for the response. That’s the way I thought It should work. All my experience has been with Mercurys.


Have to ask, is that a Citabria?

Super Decathlon for the purist - but Citabria came first.

 

[Oldpoppa]

Super Decathlon for the purist - but Citabria came first.

Kinda hard to tell from the thumbnail. 8kcab. Did some aerobatic training in one.

 

[Silvertip]

Kinda hard to tell from the thumbnail. 8kcab. Did some aerobatic training in one.

Uumm, you do realize this is a 1/4 scale RC model -- but then maybe not!

 

[Oldpoppa]

Uumm, you do realize this is a 1/4 scale RC model -- but then maybe not!

Actually didn’t. Looks good to me.

 

[Silvertip]

Actually didn’t. Looks good to me.

It, a 1/4 scale J3 Cub, a 1/5 scale Extra 300 and a 1/3 scale Extra (my big boy toy) are just a few of my collection.

 

[Oldpoppa]

Lot of time and patience. I can’t visualize operating in a three dimensional that I’m not a physical part of.