71 johnson 60hp no power to key

[mlk3495]

I just purchased a used 1971 Johnson 60 hydro-electric drive motor, the last owner stated the motor ran fine last time he used it. But he did tell me it has an electrical problem now. I have cleaned the cables and when I turn the key the motor does nothing. I can put power to the starter and the motor spins over, no problem. I have worked on several automotive motors before but never a outboard, so I need some help with this. <br /><br />Any suggestions?<br /> <br />Where do I start? <br /><br />Also where can I find parts for this motor and the controller?<br /><br />I welcome any and all help <br /><br />thanks

 

[OBJ]

Re: 71 johnson 60hp no power to key

Hey mlk....welcome aboard iboats.<br /><br />Take the hood off the engine and look for a little fuse holder. It's one of those little short 20amp fuses. Probably blown. If that ain't it, give us a hollar.<br /><br />Oh and parts can be found at any Johnny/Rude dealer and even some parts can be found in iboats mega mall.

 

[idbarrelracer]

Re: 71 johnson 60hp no power to key

I have the same issue with my 71 Johnson 60.
It was running great since we dug it out of the shop after 23 years of rest and some carb cleaner, the other day I ended up dead in the water for 2 hours & had to be towed in by an 8 foot bass boat with three drunken teenagers and an 8hp Suzuki.. Rather embarrasing.

I have tested every location I could think of/find with a test light, & there is power all the way from the battery, through the ignition (I took apart the shift lever) and back to the motor to the starter solenoid. A friend mentioned it may be the neutral safety switch? Anyone have thoughts on this?
Also, if that is possibly the issue, would I be crazy to bypass it and how would I do so if it's possible?

Thanks for your input.. I'm REALLY new to the whole boat thing.

 

[oldglastron]

Re: 71 johnson 60hp no power to key

I have your wire diagram in my horrible Clymer book. I am also having ignition woes. my diagram shoows that you have one wire purple/white it goes to the battery input to the solenoid with one 20 amp fuse right off the solenoid. check continuity or test for power from this wire. It is located on opposite large pole of the solenoid that the starter is on there will be the 4 gauge wire that goes to the battery and the 12ga wire on the same post.
hope it helps.

 

[idbarrelracer]

Re: 71 johnson 60hp no power to key

I have power on both sides of the little fuse that's hiding inside the little black bulb, and I checked all my fuses and wire connections. I really think it's the neutral safety switch, but I'll have to continue working on it tomorrow. Got dark on me. Hoping to fix it for boating tomorrow, might have to scrap it for another day.

Thanks for your input though.. I'll keep you posted.

Update-- The Throttle cable running back to the motor had come disconnected from the control arm lever. Once we re-connected it, engine fired first try. By that time we had adjusted the throttle position gear thing & now it won't keep running. Ran out of battery before we could get her to shift into forward without dying.
Will make some adjustments tomorrow and I'm pretty sure she'll be back to starting first try and hopefully run like a champ.
Glad for all the info from the boards though! I've learned a TON just wandering around in here.