New (to me) 70hp Johnson won't start

[JPTL]

I just bought a RIB inflatable with a '99 70 hp 2 stroke Johnson. The seller fired up the engine for me and it started right up. When I got home and started going over the boat/engine, the existing wiring left something to be desired - particularly the battery being located in the bilge as opposed to in the center console where it's supposed to be.
I replaced the 8' cable with a 12' 6 AWG that reaches the new battery location.
I also decided to clean up the existing wiring & switches, as the nav. lights and depth finder weren't working.
Now all accessories work, but the engine won't start. It turns over beautifully, but won't even sputter.

I'm not 100% sure it's electrical, but that's where I figured I'd start.
I'm waiting for my son to get home to check for a spark at the plug. In the mean time, I figured I'd ask some questions here:

• Is there a way to test the ignition circuit to check to see if the key-on circuit is working?

• I had the shift cables disconnected at one point and may have put them back at a slightly different adjustment. Is there an ignition switch that's activated by shift position, i.e. if the cables aren't properly adjusted, the ignition is disabled?
• Aside from the wiring coming from the controls/ignition, going to the engine, is there something else I should be looking for?
• What is the horizontally, starboard mounted cylinder with the red plastic dial? It appears to be a fuel shutoff - or switch as it appears to be electrical (solenoid?)

Thanks!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: New (to me) 70hp Johnson won't start

Proper starting procedure:
1 - Pump fuel primer bulb up hard.
2 - Leave throttle in neutral idle position as that engine has a automatic "Fast Start" feature that automatically advances the spark for a fast idle to warm up the engine. The rpms drop to normal after it warms up.
3 - Turn key to the START position and push the key inwards to energize the Fuel Primer Solenoid. (Solenoid explained below).
4 - When the engine fires/starts, release the key to the spring loaded RUN position.

(Fuel Primer Solenoid Function)
(J. Reeves)

The RED lever...... The normal operating/running position is to have that red lever positioned over top of the solenoid and aimed at the other end of the solenoid, gently turned to its stop. This is the normal/automatic mode position. Pushing the key in opens the valve within the solenoid allowing fuel to pass thru it in order to prime and start the engine. Looking upon this solenoid as a electric choke results in a better understanding of it.

Having that red lever turned in the opposite direction, facing away from the solenoid, allows fuel to flow thru it to the crankcase area. One would only turn the red lever to this position in a case where the battery might go dead and the engine had to be started via the rope pull method. Look upon putting the red lever in this position as moving a choke lever on a choke equipped engine to the full closed position. Either one would supply fuel to the crankcase/engine for starting purposes BUT if left in that position while running would flood the engine.

The later model primer solenoids are equipped with a schrader valve, used for attaching a pressurized can of fogging oil etc, available at your local dealership with complete instructions.

Pumping the fuel primer bulb up hard fills the carburetor float chambers of course, but that process also applies fuel pressure to the primer solenoid.

The two small hoses leading from the primer solenoid branch off via tees to each fuel manifold section that would feed fuel to the individual cylinders.

Pushing the key in activates the primer solenoid to allow fuel to flow thru it to the intake manifold passageways. Cranking the engine over causes the fuel pump to engage which in turn sends fuel pulses to the primer solenoid via the 3/8" fuel hose.

Some engines incorporates the "Fast Start" feature which automatically advances the spark electronically so no advance of the throttle is required for starting.
Engines that do not have the "Fast Start" feature will be required to have the throttle advanced slightly.

Starting procedure: pump fuel bulb up hard, crank engine and push the key in at the same time. When the engine fires/starts, release the key so that it falls back to the run position.

Bottom line..... Look upon the primer solenoid as an electric choke.

 

[mauryc]

Re: New (to me) 70hp Johnson won't start

cutoff switch on the side of the throttle have the lanyard attached?

 

[JPTL]

Re: New (to me) 70hp Johnson won't start

Joe and maury,
thanks for quick replies.
Joe, thanks for the excellent description of the fuel primer solenoid. It's really critical to know what that is, and now I do. To clarify, is the red lever in the proper position for normal operation in my photo above?
I pulled the plugs and checked for spark. Nice healthy spark. Checked the fuel through the filter. Water in the fuel. It's really crappy fuel to say the least. Crappy enough to not give me even a sputter. My guess is that when I saw it run, it was running on the gas that was in the bowls. Now it's drawing a gas/water mix from the tank.
Now to drain the built-in tank :facepalm:

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: New (to me) 70hp Johnson won't start

[/LIST]
View attachment 204964To clarify, is the red lever in the proper position for normal operation in my photo above?

In a word.... Yes. In that running position, fuel flows thru it to prime the engine ONLY when the key is pushed in.