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Question about Elec. start on Johnson

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/11/2003 : 10:13:15

Hello all,

I'm pretty sure I have electric start with my 1986 or 87 Johnson Sailmaster 9.9 engine, however, I've never used it. Instead I've been pull starting. The reason why I think I have electric start is because I have two wires that come from my transom and snap into two wires coming from my engine. And there is a little button on the starboard side of the engine a bit forward of the gear shifter.

My question is this...

I have to deep cycle batteries. Do I need a traditional car battery for starting the engine?

Thanks.

Ben
Adventurous
#5553
C25 SR/SK

Edited by - on

lancej
1st Mate

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81 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 10:59:14

It may be for electric start, or it also may be output for a stator (alternator). While running, check the wires for output, if you get around +14VDC, it is your stator output, which is used for charging your batteries. The best way to tell is to pop off the cover and look for the starter, it will look like a small version of a car starter, and be located off to the side of the flywheel (big round piece on top) with a small gear on the end. On a Johnson I belive it will be to the port side, and aft of the flywheel.
If it is in fact electric start, your deep cycle will start it just fine, a 9.9 two cycle engine draws very few amperes to start.
Good Luck

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 11:32:35

I thought that maybe it was for the battery charger too, but my wife hit the button and the engine coughed like it wanted to turn over.

Ben
Adventurous
#5553
C25 SR/SK

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 13:39:27

I have the same motor, it is the starter button. If she had choked it she would have started it. The wires are for charging your batteries and for providing power to the starter. If you have those wires connected to you battery switch then they will not have a circuit if your battery switch is off. In other words I need my batteries on line to feed the starter. I think a lot of us don't have the batteries on line when sailing in the day unless its for gauge power. So if the button has done nothing in the past it is probably because you had your 12 volt system off.

Frank and Martha in Wichita KS. Lake Cheney

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 14:11:09

Thanks again Frank. You're help is again greatly appreciated.

Ben
Adventurous
#5553
C25 SR/SK

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NuNees
Navigator

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USA
125 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 19:21:40

Ben,
What you describe is electric start.
As a result, you also get a rechaarge.
My shop, manual states that you should NOT run the engine with the battery disconnected as it may damage the rectifier.
Just pull the choke .. press the start buttom .. whhen it firs the first time push the choke in .. let it warm up .. neatest thing since the invention of the Bimmini.

Bill jaworowski,
Moonbeams.
C25 SK/SR #4953
Sailing Lake Carlyle, IL.

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NuNees
Navigator

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USA
125 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 19:30:12

Ben,
Sorry I forgot to mention that I have 2 batteries, deep cycle for the house, and a starting battery for the motor. The motor is direct wired to the starting battery. Both batteries are hooked to the master switch. After each weekend I need to charnge the house battery which I use for instruments, lights, and radio/CD. The starting battery has been used exclusively for the motor and has always checked as fully charged.
My guess is that using one deep cycle tp start the motor will not put you in jeoprady .. especially since your motor starts so well with the pull rope.

Good Luck.

Bill jaworowski,
Moonbeams.
C25 SK/SR #4953
Sailing Lake Carlyle, IL.

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oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 21:31:00

I use a switchable dual battery system on my boat and both of them are of the deep discharge type. Normally, deep discharge batteries, not being designed for instantaneous high current draw, would be damaged over time when used as starting batteries, but since the current draw required to turn over your outboard is so limited, they will work just fine.

I've used this setup since 1983 first with my electric start 9.9 2 stroke Evinrude Yachtwinn and more recently with my electric start 1996 9.9 2 stroke Johnson Sailmaster which I purchased new as a leftover model 2 years ago. I like the idea of having the benefit of 2 deep discharge batteries aboard.

If you are at a slip with dockside power, a good automatic marine grade battery charger will keep your batteries topped off and will go a long way towards extending their lives.

Mark, Silver Girl, '83 fin keel, tall rig # 3744

Edited by - oldsalt on 09/11/2003 21:33:28

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.