lost key

[bman1bpm]

Well I'm trying to start a motor on a boat, but the guy lost the key, I've never hot wired an outboard before so anybody have any ideas where to start, its a 1977 johnson seahorse 70hp

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: lost key

Take the ignition lock out and just short the wires. Typically you have one +12 hot wire coming in, then two wires going out, one for ignition and one for start. Run a toggle between the +12 and the ignition wire (usually purple) and run a pushbutton or momentary switch between the +12 and the start wire (usually yellow). <br /><br />Lost my keys over the winter if you didn't figure that out already!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: lost key

Or, unplug the large red connector under the cowl and jump out the starter...Choke it to kill it if it starts... If you get it running and all is well, buy a new switch..

 

[roscoe]

Re: lost key

Actually may be able to pick up a key at a Johnson dealer.

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: lost key

thanks ya'll tried the first one but no yellow wire in there, didn't feel like rippin the whole control box apart so I did the second one, got it runnin for a few then I choked it and it wouldn't start up again might have flooded it, but I accomplished what I wanted

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: lost key

That is correct. By choking it to stop it, you are essentially flooding it out, so it does not surprise me that it did not start right away again.. Now get a switch that works or look for numbers on the currect switch and as Roscoe said, the dealer may be able to get you a key...

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: lost key

sweet not I just gotta get the damn thing from my friend's backyard to my house, its been sittin a while trailer needs some new tires

 

[karrick]

Re: lost key

My 1971 johnson had a number scribed on the keyswitch next to where the key inserts. I looked for blanks at the harware stores that matched the key the dealer had and could not find one. I ended up buying two from him for around 7 dollars a pop. Stick it to the man

 

[kd6nem]

Re: lost key

The surest way to find the lost key is to rip the old lock out and replace it. Worked for me.... (found the old set shortly after I got done, but had been looking for weeks!)