Johnson 115 problems

[fburris]

I have a 1998 Johnson 115. My motor cranks and runs fine. I fish for a while and crank up and move. About the 3rd or 4th time I go to crank up and move, my motor just turns over and won't start. I can sit there for about ten minutes and then just keep turning it over and it will eventually start. I can then move a couple of more times with no problems and then it is hard to start again. I am puzzled. Can anyone help me to solve this aggrivation?

Thanks so much for any help!
Frank

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Johnson 115 problems

just a wild stab...because I had a similar issue that was a wierd thing.

you may have other issues...well you PROBABLY have other issues.

BUT

try wiggling the wire harness at several spots and try starting...

I had a wire break in the harness and it would sometimes make contact and sometimes not....

would start and then not start...but i also got a situation were the motor would die too.

so as well as any other advice you get...try wiggling the wires...

bring a spark checker and when it happens put the spark tester on and see if you are getting spark....

if no spark, you probably dont have to chase down all the fuel line issues.. and connections ...

good luck

bob

 

[fburris]

Re: Johnson 115 problems

Thats a start. Thanks.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Johnson 115 problems

I'm not a mechanic but as a long time boater who can't always afford to have a mechanic check things out I have got sort of a system when my boat won't run right. I start with the simplest and cheapest fix first and work to the more complicated things. My first move is always to unplug the fuel line and plug into a fresh tank of gas using an external 6 gallon tank. You have just eliminated at least 3 potential problems, bad gas, bad fuel lines and bad inline fuel filter. Next I will clean the plugs and do a compression test. At this point you have pretty much narrowed it down to either a fuel pump, carburator or electronic problem. I then clean my carbs and rebuild the fuel pump. When it comes to the electronics I take it to a mechanic for that stuff. I am of the opinion that is all a hunt and peck game, you replace one component at a time untill you find the one that is malfunctioning.

 

[Lone Duck]

Re: Johnson 115 problems

Do you pump the primer bulb every time you start it ?