40hp Johnson won't turn over

[Tomo]

Hi,<br /><br />I bought a jon boat that has a 1985 (thanks alcan) Johnson 40 electric tiller. The boat and motor have been sitting for two years. I purchased a new battery and when I hook it up I just get a click sound in the motor when I push start. I took the hood off and the click seems to be coming from near the starter. Everything looks real clean under the hood. The only thing I noticed was the connecter at the battery end of the negative cable is hanging on by about 1/4 the strands. Would this be the issue?<br /><br />Also, I thought I'd better ask if there was anything I should check for before trying to start the motor after it has been sitting so long.<br /><br />thanks,<br />Pat

 

[alcan]

Re: 40hp Johnson won't turn over

hi Tomo<br />You will need to repair that batt. cable. Run 50:1 pre-mix untill you can determine the vro is working if so equipt. Check l\u gear oil. I like to squirt some two- stroke oil in the cylenders and roll it around a bit. Make sure its in neutral and the throtle is set a start. I suggest you obtain a manual, so you can fully service your unit before sea duty. Good luck.

 

[Down South]

Re: 40hp Johnson won't turn over

Tomo, After you repair the battery cable and If that does not cure the problem. It sounds like the starter solenoid is bad. I'm not exactly sure where it's located on your motor but it should be easy to find. You can find it by tracing the wire from the starter back to the solenoid. It should be located close to the starter. To test it, there will be a large wire coming to it and the same size wire going from it to your starter. Use a pair of pliers or another piece of heavy wire (insulation removed at each end) and jump across the two main terminals of the solenoid. If the starter engages and turns the motor over, replace the solenoid.