1979 70hp johnson - issues restarting

oski26

Cadet
Joined
Sep 20, 2008
Messages
9
OK - I'm somewhat new to boating. I have a 15ft trihaul with a 1979 70hp johnson outboard. We replaced the coils since the wires appeared to be dry rotted. Fires right up runs strong and smooth. Stop to fish for an hour or so restarted fine. Moved to new location after a short ride (5 - 8 min.) fish for 15 - 20 min. and then it will not restart. I lift the choke and try starting but no go. Had to be toed in. Retry after some time and it starts right up. Compression good in all cylinders, water pumping with no issues - heads just warm to the touch - but the fly wheel is much warmer. Not sure if it is how I'm trying to start it or something else. Could this be a power pack issue? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Boat runs great and idles perfect, just can't count on it restarting on the lake.
 

kneepad1

Recruit
Joined
Aug 18, 2009
Messages
1
Re: 1979 70hp johnson - issues restarting

I had exactly the same problem, 1983 70hp. I got to know the lifeboat crew
by thier first names.
Turned out I was getting
rain water or spray seeping into the remote control box
and settling on the ignition switch at the bottom of the unit.
Motor would always start after a day or so when the switch had dried out.
I eventually replaced the switch and sealed up the join on the two halves of the remote box, no more problems after that.

It's worth checking.
 

oski26

Cadet
Joined
Sep 20, 2008
Messages
9
Re: 1979 70hp johnson - issues restarting

Thanks - will check - just got back from the lake - wouldn't restart again - it did rain, so I will check this out.
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: 1979 70hp johnson - issues restarting

When it will not start, check to see if you have spark.
 
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