i'm ready to give up!...now an electrical problem

[Dan Beisel]

This is the latest chapter in the series of troubles for my 1970 Johnson 115hp. It all started way back when it overheated. This is what I have done to it since it ran back then:<br /><br />-new head gaskets<br />-new water jacket gaskets<br />-new safety cut-out switch<br />-new temp sending switch<br />-new t-stat/valves/gaskets<br />-repaired some melted wiring<br />-removed carbon build-up from pistons/cyl ports<br />-new water pump (complete)<br /><br />I went to crank over the motor in hopes of doing a compression check. Well, it cranked a few times as I was tesing the #1 cylinder and it kept cranking (the starter kept turning) even after I turned off the key switch. I pulled the neg cable to the battery to stop it. I noticed that I had forgotten to push the start lever up but it cranked anyway.<br /><br />I went to hook the neg battery cable back up and, duh, it sparked . I removed the key switch/ign switch and it still was "hot" and turned the starter. I disconnected the safety switch and it still was "hot" but the starter did not turn. It was only after disconnecting the starter cable was I able to reconnect the neg bat cable without spark. The solenoid is new within the last year and I have not had any problems with it.<br /><br />Help, if it wasn't for this website I'd have given up long ago! <br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br />Dan

 

[Walker]

Re: i'm ready to give up!...now an electrical problem

You have a "ground short" somewhere. First place to check is the wires you replaced.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: i'm ready to give up!...now an electrical problem

I think you have problems with that 'NEW" solenoid.New on boats seems not to extend to the next season.<br />DHP

 

[Dan Beisel]

Re: i'm ready to give up!...now an electrical problem

I was leaning toward the solenoid also, since it was fine before I started it and the problem goes away when I disconnect the starter from it.