1989 Johnson 150

[foreman33]

I have a Jonhson 1989 150 HP and I'm trying to get it stated for the first time this year. I just put new plugs in it set the gap at .040, and it still won't start. It doesn't seem like it is attempting to start at all . The motor turn over fine but will not fire up. I pulled all the plugs out at once and tried to see if I can see any spark between the gap. I don't see any spark at any of the plugs. Last year when I put it away for the winter it ran fine.

Any ideas as what to look for, please advise.

Foreman33

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150

unplug the big red connector, now you can jump the solenoid, unplugging takes the controller out of the circuit.

 

[foreman33]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150

Tashasdaddy,

unplug the big red connector, now you can jump the solenoid, unplugging takes the controller out of the circuit.

What does the big red connector have to do with spark to the plugs. What solenoid are you talking about for me to jump? The motor turns over fine, it just doesn't fire up. Seems to be getting gas but no fire in the plugs. What would cause all of the plugs to not fire? I touched each one to the engine but could not see any spark in any of the plugs. I have all the plugs out, but still connect to the coil wires. What is the proper procedure to check and see why none of the plugs fire? I could see maybe 1 or 2 plugs nor firing but not all 6 of them.

Foreman33

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150

unpluging the harness, rules out the electrical in the controls, ignititon switch, neutral switch, kill switch, and short in the wiring harness. you should be using an adjustable spark check sold in any auto parts store.

jump the starter solenoid, to turn the motor over,

 

[foreman33]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150

Tashasdaddy,
Ok, once I unplug the big red plug and let's say that the engine does fire and run, how do I get it stopped if the ignition switch and the kill switch are no longer in use, since they get bypassed with the red plug?

So if it does indeed start, what procedure should I try to find out what is actually causing the problem when the red plug is put back together?

Or should I not try and run the engine and just see if I get a spark at the plug wires?

Foreman33

 

[jonesg]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150

Pop the airbox so you can get at the carb throats, choke it out by hand to stop it.

 

[foreman33]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150

Ok, I bought an ajustable spark checker for $7 at the auto parts store. With the red plug disconnected and the spark checker connected, I get spark now between the 2 points on the spark checker on the 3 left cylinders. I didn't check the right 3 cylinders but I'm getting spark now so I assume they are ok now because I had nothing on any of them before.

So now that I have spark there with the red plug disconnected, what is the next step to find out why when the red plug is connected that I don't have spark?

Foreman33

 

[foreman33]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150

Go figure!!!!!!

Plugged the red plug back together went it hit the key and guess what?????

The damn thing fired right up and is running now as we speak.

What could have been the problem. That red plug has NEVER been disconnected before. Could someone give an explanation as to why it is working now???? And what should I do from here????

Foreman33

 

[foreman33]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150

I was wondering if anyone who knows could answer post #8 and give me some idea as what steps to take to figure out what might have caused this problem. Should I be concerned or just be thankful that it is running now? I don't want to be out on the lake or river somewhere and have this happen again.

Just would like to know if there is anything that I can check to possibly find out what happened?

Foreman33

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150

corrosion, dirty connection.