Help! 1973 johnson 65 outboard

[Honeybadger8846]

I just bought a boat and put a new battery on it. The previous owner said it worked completely fine but when I turn the key I get absolutely nothing. I know nothing about these so of something looks wrong could someone tell me

 

[Crosbyman]

step1- do you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key....to start

if not look for any blown fuses .. you must have +12v on the switch B post

look at the 1972 diag. see the fuse ? on purple white to the switch B post
always attempt to start with shifter in neutral

https://maxrules.com/graphics/omc/wiring/1972_65_Eshift.jpg

btw you should find yourself a service manual for the engine if you plan to fix it service it to save $$$$$$

 

[Crosbyman]

see utubes 1-3 series after you get it to kick over

 

[Honeybadger8846]

step1- do you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key....to start

if not look for any blown fuses .. you must have +12v on the switch B post

look at the 1972 diag. see the fuse ? on purple white to the switch B post
always attempt to start with shifter in neutral

https://maxrules.com/graphics/omc/wiring/1972_65_Eshift.jpg

btw you should find yourself a service manual for the engine if you plan to fix it service it to save $$$$$$


View attachment 396050

No clicking sounds. It doesn't do anything at all. I've replaced two 20 fuses

 

[racerone]

Find the safety switch on the motor.----Near the throttle arm.-----A white switch .----With one white wire.----Repeat 1 white wire.----If throttle is too far advanced it will not crank.----If switch is dirty inside it will not crank.----I clean those switches.

 

[Honeybadger8846]

I cleaned it off and still nothing. I have power at the battery but no further. Could it possible be bad battery cables? If so do I need boat specific battery cable or will Any 2/0 battery cables work?

 

[Crosbyman]

we can all coach you but you need to tell us your level of expertise in tracing wires and using a VOM or test lamps to trouble shoot.

engines need good clean connections to a strong battery
they need to have B+12v reaching the key B post
the key must transfer B+ to the starter solenoid via the neutral switch
the solenoid must transfer (click) stronng B+ battery amps to the starter motor to turn the engine. .
ground wires /connections are just as important


any one element missing and things stand still.

 

[Crosbyman]

I cleaned it off and still nothing. I have power at the battery but no further. Could it possible be bad battery cables? If so do I need boat specific battery cable or will Any 2/0 battery cables work?

do you not see +12 battery on the solenoid main IN post the OUT being the one to the starter

battery cables can be bad due to breaks bad crimps etc... so follow the juice.

if no +12 on the solenoid work back check grounding of B- on the engine

use the diagram to trace power ... if you are not skilled in electrical testing maybe a friend can help.
you can cause damage or really big spraks !!!

 

[racerone]

Remove white wire from safety switch.----Touch that wire to ground.-----Have your assistant try and crank the motor with white wire grounded.

 

[racerone]

Looks like this motor has suffered from a SEVERE overheat condition.-----Do a compression test and post the actual values.----Do not spend any beer tokens on this motor until after you have done a complete evaluation of it !!!

 

[Crosbyman]

can't do much if it won't turn unless the starter is jumped

the ground lug needs a good cleaning looks lie the large plug needs to be openned and checked out for corrosion
looks like the battery cable to solenoid needs a good clean same for the fuse holder etc... etc...

overall a sad case... but patience brings joy