Weird Starting problem

[Dirty Worm]

I have a 1988 40hp johnson o/b. WAS going fishing tomorrow and wanted to crank the engine after a couple months of non use.<br />Turned the key and the motor would not quit turning over. Turned the key off and disconnected kill switch and motor still kept turning over. Began disconnecting battery from pos. term. and the term began sparking. Finally able to disconnect Pos. cable and engine stopped. The neg side was pretty hot by now.<br />My best guess is the starter switch arched over and made a continual conection but I cant figure out why when I activated the kill switch it did not stop the ignition.<br />Any help is always appreciated.<br />Thanks,

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Weird Starting problem

Awful hard to say without some testing,but I'd vote for a bad starter solenoid.Also,if negative cable was getting more than warm to the touch it probably needs cleaning.The kill switch should stop the ignition,but not the cranking.<br /><br />DHP

 

[stratos2050]

Re: Weird Starting problem

I had the same problem with my 150 after lay up. I'am pretty sure it comes from the starter selenoid getting stuck in the start position. Turning the key off will not kill the circuit as power is always applied to the selenoid. Mine was fine after a few starts. Hope this helps.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Weird Starting problem

I would agree with the other guys Tiki....had that happen to me in the shop once....smacked the starter solenoid with a "heavy wrench" and it quit cranking.

 

[promotec]

Re: Weird Starting problem

I would agree with the other guys Tiki....had that happen to me in the shop once....smacked the starter solenoid with a "heavy wrench" and it quit cranking.<br /><br />--------------------<br />OBJ<br />*When all else fails...use the manual<br /><br /><i><br />If the manual doesnt work use a heavy wrench *grin*

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Weird Starting problem

Keep in mind that pulling the kill switch does not stop the motor from turning over. It only kills the ignition so the motor will stop if its running. Its hooked to the ignition circuit, not the starter circuit.<br /><br />Its most likely, as mentioned above, the starter solenoid. <br /><br />Good luck!