1989 50hp not starting and prop spinning freely

[abandab]

I am new to boating and have a johnson 50hp. The prop is spinning freely. Does this motor have a shear pin? If so how hard is it to replace.

Also is there a safety on the ignition that will not let the motor start if it isn't in the neutral position?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1989 50hp not starting and prop spinning freely

If the engine is in neutral, the prop should spin freely if turned by hand (engine off for heaven's sake). If it is in either forward or reverse you should not be able to turn the prop by hand.

No -- the engine does not have a shear pin. In neutral you should be able to spin the prop freely by hand but not if the shifter is in forward or reverse.

Yes - there are two safety switches. #1) is in the control box so the engine will not crank unless the throttle/shift lever is in neutral. (You do know the difference between "won't crank" and "won't start" don't you?) #2 safety switch is the kill switch which is the lanyard you attach to your person so should you be pitched from the boat the lanyard pulls the kill switch and stops the engine. Unless that lanyard clip is in place (switch is located under the ignition key) the engine will "crank" but it won't "start". Depending on the year of your engine it may not have a kill switch.

 

[abandab]

Re: 1989 50hp not starting and prop spinning freely

Thanks. Maybe I was just off the neutral position a tad because it is not cranking. The lanyard is in place...that was the first thing I
checked.