"Choke on" '69 Johnson 55hp

[hikerak1@yahoo.com]

I posted this as a reply on my original message, but I think it needs to go as a new topic as well...<br /><br />Serial Number j3008160<br />Model #55esl69a<br /><br />OK, I have returned from fixing the safety switch. IT RUNS. I took it around the lake and filled her up with gas. <br /><br />I have another question though that I can't seem to find an answer for in the Seloc Manual. I have a switch on the front of the motor. It has three choices, choke on, automatic, choke off. The motor will only start with the switch on choke off... As long as it starts I am fine, but I wonder why it won't start with the lever in the automatic position??? <br /><br />Other than that I have a battery drain that I have to find next week Saturday.... Then I am good to go for the fishing season... <br /><br />And what does ESL in the model Number stand for ?? <br /><br />Thanks for your help <br /><br />Matt

 

[ajp]

Re: "Choke on" '69 Johnson 55hp

The 3 positions are:<br /><br />Center - The electronic choke is available to be used. The choke is open unless closed by the electronic choke.<br /><br />Pushed in - It can't be choked. Locked open.<br /><br />Pulled out - In a choked position. Locked closed. <br /><br />Sounds like you need a factory service manual. You might also remove the breather cover and watch the choke work in all the situations. Your choke may be not opening all the way, or the electronic may not be working. <br /><br />Get a good manual.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: "Choke on" '69 Johnson 55hp

Matt... The following may be of interest to you.<br /><br />(Temperture Actuated Choke Solenoid Conversion)<br /><br />Various OMC engines that were manufactured in the later 1960s, for example the 1969 55hp Evinrude/Johnson incorporated a dual stage choke solenoid...... easy to identify as they have two wires leading to the solenoid, one purple/white, one purple/yellow.<br /> <br />The purple/yellow is attached at the engine wiring terminal strip to another purple/yellow wire that led to a heat sensor. The initial stage, with the key ON, (purple/yellow), when cold, would keep the choke pulled in half way until the engine warmed up, at which time it would release and open the choke butterfly.<br /> <br />The second stage (purple/white) is attached to another purple/white wire at the engine terminal strip which leads to the choke switch. When the switch was engaged, the choke closed etc.<br /> <br />The problem with this setup is that as the engine got older, the thermostat acted up, water pump became weak, whatever, the heat sensor failed to operate properly and the choke would not release from that half closed position. This would cause the engine to run in a rich fuel mixture condition (flooding, loading up).<br /><br />The cure to this problem, via a service bulletin from OMC was to remove the solenoid purple/yellow wire from its original location and connect both of the solenoid wires (purple/yellow & purple/white) to the engine wiring harness purple/white wire at the engine terminal strip.<br /> <br />The above change would allow both solenoid wires to be energized when the choke switch is engaged, pulling the choke butterfly in firmly..... and only when the choke switch is engaged.

 

[hikerak1@yahoo.com]

Re: "Choke on" '69 Johnson 55hp

That is very helpful. In thinking about the choke switch on the console, I noticed that it doesn't seem to be working at all, nothing moves on the enging when I switch it. I also have a battery drain somewhere... Could the two be related?

 

[ajp]

Re: "Choke on" '69 Johnson 55hp

The choke sends a charge to the choke unit that pulls the choke lever down and chokes the engine. You should see the lever move and here the click. If not you could have a short.

 

[hikerak1@yahoo.com]

Re: "Choke on" '69 Johnson 55hp

OK back again... I have ruled out all of the switches(lights,bilge, etc) but I noticed that the choke solenoid gets hot/warm even when no it isn't in operation.... Could this be the signs of a short in the solenoid???? <br /><br />It moves a little when I turn the key on but get very warm. I have the manual choke switch set to the off position... <br /><br />Can I just disconnect it and manually turn the switch on and off as needed??? <br /><br />Any thoughts????<br /><br />Thanks, Matt

 

[papasage]

Re: "Choke on" '69 Johnson 55hp

if your chock cylidnoid stays activated for a long period of time it will swell and the ram will stick .mine stuck closed .

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: "Choke on" '69 Johnson 55hp

Matt..... If you have the manual choke lever set to "OFF" at the engine, there is no way that the electric choke can override that. Set that lever to "AUTO".<br /><br />And if the choke solenoid plunger attempts to move when you simply turn the key on, then you haven't thoroughly read what I had to say in my previous post about changing the wiring at the engine electrical terminal block pertaining to the purple/white wire.

 

[hikerak1@yahoo.com]

Re: "Choke on" '69 Johnson 55hp

Hello Joe, <br /><br />I read what you said and printed it and then promptly forgot to take it when I left for my cottage. So basically I am rewiring it so that the choke switch is the only thing that will open or shut the choke. <br /><br />I will do that next week. <br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Matt