need help with 1972 johnson

[justdoit]

I've tryed to start a 1972 125HP Johnson without success. The plugs look new and in good condition, but the motor has been sitting for a couple years. New battery, there is power at the start switch, it is in neutral, but when i connect the battery switch to #1 battery the starter runs bypassing the start switch key and the motor would not start. Replaced the gas with a 50:1 ratio but looks like there is no spark at the plugs. What can i do???

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: need help with 1972 johnson

go to the faq forum. read awakening a sleeping outboard, my motor won't start,

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

 

[JB]

Re: need help with 1972 johnson

Go to the Engine FAQs, JDI. Do the step by step troubleshooting in "Outboard won't start".

Sounds like you may have a stuck solenoid or incorrect connections in the starter circuit.

The smartest thing you can do is get an OEM Service Manual. Try www.kencook.com or www.outboardbooks.com.

 

[JB]

Re: need help with 1972 johnson

Dang! Daddy outdrew me again.

No matter. We agree on these things.

 

[UncleBuck81]

Re: need help with 1972 johnson

Once you get it turning over, I would try to test your ign switch if you have no spark. The guys on this forum showed me that trick. It only takes a couple of minutes and it saves a lot of headaches. Good Luck

 

[F_R]

Re: need help with 1972 johnson

Disconnect the two white wires from the starter solenoid and see if the starter still runs by itself. (It shouldn't). I suspect you may have a wiring issue with the ignition switch or cable.