Case summary.
Symptom: 2005 Johnson J115PLSOR fires up, but dies as soon as the starter key is released.
Additional observation: Engine continues running when +12V is supplied to the Y/R connector at the power pack.
Stator testing: Results were inconclusive—probably due to a less-than-ideal meter—but no shorts to ground were found.
Hypotheses:
Faulty power pack
Faulty stator
Test: Replaced the power pack.
Result: Engine now operates normally. System voltage is approximately 13V at idle and 14+ volts at 2000 RPM. Based on the charging voltage, the stator appears to be functioning properly.
Conclusion: Faulty power pack. The stator is probably innocent. A rare occurrence, since replacing expensive parts usually only confirms that the other expensive part was the problem.
