115 Johnson - Starts briefly then dies

[john3357]

My 1985 115 Johnson died while on the water. The next morning it started and died quickly. No spark. Later in the day, starts and dies. No spark.

Suggestions? Thank you

 

[gm280]

John, when you say it starts and then dies, no spark. Are you saying that it initially starts and then dies and you can't get it to crank again and tested it for spark and there is none? If so, have you checked the kill switch and/or the ignition switch? Either of them can short out the ignition and therefore there would be no spark. How have you verified no spark?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Check the key switch. If it gets water in it, that can short out the kill wire. For instance, when the key switch is in the start position, it could fire when the starter is activated, then kill it when the key is turned to the "run" position. Do a simple test. You can unplug the control box harness at the engine end. Then jump the starter with a set of automotive cables. When the engine cranks, does it make spark? If so, you have a problem on the control box harness, and that could be a bad key switch.