1987 70 HP won't start

[CaptCrabby]

Hi
I have a 1987 70 hp yamaha
I was starting it when the engine stopped cranking and my gas gauge needle pegged when in the on position. Does this sound like an ignition switch or something on the motor? The motor will not crank with the switch. I ran jumpers to the starter and it cranked fine.
What would make the gas gauge needle peg?
my suspects are the ignition switch or maybe a soleniod
The battery is fully charged
Thanks for the help

CaptCrabby

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1987 70 HP won't start

this is the Johnson/Evinrude forum, but I will try to answer your question. Check your key switch connections and make sure you do not have a crossed wire or short, also check to make sure your ground is not severed/loose, it runs from your key switch to your motor and should be grounded near or at your ground wire coming from your battery. Then check your kill switch if you have one. You can then try replacing your key switch..but my money is on a ground issue, because of the fuel gauge freaking out. good luck
Sparkie