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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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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 - 05/12/2005 : 13:37:55

Hi all,

The perrenial issue of the electric start has reared it's PITA head. Every winter I pay to have the mechanic (3 different ones in 3 years) check over the electric start to try to find out why the push-button start works only part of the time.

So far this year, I haven't been able to get it to work at all!

This leads me to believe the the electric start is fine, but my electric wire that the engine plugs into is faulty. To test this theory, I would like to take the battery out to the cockpit, on the seat in front of the engine, and connect the battery to the fittings that from from the engine.

Long story short, is there an off-the-shelf item that will connect to the battery terminals on one end, and then onto the terminals coming out of the engine? Maybe alligator clips?

Oh yeah, one more thing, it's an 86 or 87 Johnson Sailmaster.

thanks ya'll!

Ben
Beneteau 361
Viking Kitty
Columbus, Ohio

Edited by - Ben on 05/12/2005 13:40:22

mwalkup
1st Mate

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USA
79 Posts

Response Posted - 05/12/2005 : 15:48:02

Ben,
This same question has come up alot here lately, I guess because it's spring and all, everybody's trying to get their motors a'going.
It was recommended to me a couple of months back to use a trolling motor connecter. The leads from your motor connect on one end, wires from the battery on the other.
I bought an inexpensive set of battery cables cut off the ends and used the flexable 6 gauge wire from the battery to the trolling connecter. The connecter is located on the small aft shelf in the back of the quarter berth. I drilled a hole through the transom near the motor mount bracket so the lead from the outboard is right there.
It all worked for me, thanks to advise from me mates here. Hope it works for you as well.

Just a suggestion, but go back on the forums for the last 3-4 weeks and you'll find more information.
Mike
83 tr/fk

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 05/12/2005 : 18:53:21

I wouldn't be surprised if the problem is the start button itself. If it's corroded inside the first sign will be intermittent problems starting followed by no start at all. I have an '83 9.9 Evinrude Yachtwin which I keep for a "spare" and it's almost identical to yours.

I experienced the same problem and when I replaced the push button it was corroded as all heck inside.

Also, there's a switch inside the engine housing that ensures that you're in neutral before the engine will turn over. If it's shot or not being fully engaged when the engine is in neutral you'll have the same problem.

Your problem may well be the wires as you've suggested but I'll bet it's one of the above.

I hope this helps.

Edited by - on

cvwall
1st Mate

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USA
56 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2005 : 08:17:12

Are you sure of the charge on your battery? Low voltage will cause the same problem.

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2005 : 08:49:46

Ben.

I have the same motor,'93 vintage, and of late the same infrequent problem. I get some satisfaction by spraying WD-40 in the starter button area and operating it several times. Enough satisfaction that I haven't replaced the button ( or worse yet cleaned the button )yet. It's listed somewhere near the bottom of my TO-DO list.

Val on Calista # 3936

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2005 : 10:14:09

Thanks Val, cvwall, oldsalt, and mwalkup. I'll try the WD-40 trick, or cleaing the button trick. If that still doesn't work I'll try mwalkup's recommendation.

cvwall, I too thought maybe my battery wasn't charged, but it's reading almost full.

Thanks for all your advice, you guys are great.

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2005 : 18:42:10

Good luck Ben and let us know you made out.

Edited by - on

seastream
Navigator

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USA
242 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2005 : 23:08:20

Oldsalt is probably right. I've got an '87 'Rude Yachtwin, myself. The smaller OB motors don't have a solenoid on the starter, thus ALL the high current required to turn the starter and crank the engine flows through that starter switch. The neutral safety switch would be my second suspect. Third might be worn starter brushes, but a competent mechanic would have caught that already...and you've been through three mechs.

What's the condition of the engine wiring harness?

Bob

Edited by - seastream on 05/13/2005 23:09:50

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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.