Dry starting a Johnson 30....

[RocknRobin]

I have recently bought a boat with a Johnson 30 motor (Model# J30TELCOA)
I have absolutely no knowledge about this motor, other than what I was told by the seller ("...it runs fine and was recently tuned up") What I'd really like to do, is try to (dry) start the motor. Y'know, just to make sure that it actually runs before dragging the whole thing down to a lake. I mean simply starting it long enough to hear it start and then shutting it down. Will doing this cause any damage???

Please advise as to what I need to do before attempting this.

Thanks a million!!!
Robin

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

Well, if you already bought it, why damage it? I guess I don't get it.

If you dry start it, you'll be ruining the water pump impeller. If you're really lucky, it won't break apart and plug anything.

Why not try starting it properly, using muffs? Why would you not do that? You can buy a pair of muffs for about $10. A new impeller costs a lot more.

Note to self: Check to see if there is a full moon this week.

 

[ottertail]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

Never dry fire an outboard (or stern drive) I know there are people who do and seem to get away with it. but that rubber impeller turning in that steel housing builds heat so fast even a few seconds can burn it. I agree go buy muffs-every boat owner should have a pair. they are cheap and you will know that the engine runs before it is on the ramp

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

R&R,

Dry start = damage. Either buy a set of muffs or place the lower unit in a large bucket of water when you run it. I use a garbage can and a set of muffs.

 

[RocknRobin]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

Thank you!!! That's exactly what I needed to hear. As said, I have no knowledge of outboard motors like this. My only experience with any boat, was one that was powered by an 455 Olds, and that was a whole different ball game, but you could run a garden hose into that one if a guy wanted to start it.

These muffs you speak of, could you please explain a little as to what they are and how they work? Do they connect to the water impeller and then a garden hose? Please explain.

Thanks again! You guys are great!!!!

Robin

 

[ottertail]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

The muffs hook to a garden hose and slide over the water intake on the lower unit (the line of 4-5 holes on the sides) with the water turned on you can run your engine all you want, just don't walk away from it unless you have the muffs bunge strapped on. They can be bought at Wall mart - fleet farm -ect or I could send out a set they are only $4.99 a set.

 

[RocknRobin]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

Cool! So, I assume that the ones at Wal-Mart are a "one size fits all" type? If so, I'll be off to get a set.

Do I need a set? Or just one for this motor????

Thanks!
Robin

 

[ottertail]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

We call them a set but it is actually only one unit that covers both intake ports. May also be called a flushette depends on what the maker wants to call them

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

Here's a set in action on my old 1987 Johnson 20 hp, which shares the same lower unit as your 30 hp.

 

[RocknRobin]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

Excellent!!! I went and purchased the muffs, followed all the instructions, and just to find out that the battery was DEAD. No problem though, I just used the pull cord and Vrooooom!!! She started up on the first pull. Sounded great, too!!!

Now, the only problem I have, is that after charging the battery for a while, the electric start doesn't seem to wanna fire. No click, or anything. Doesn't the electric starting system have a solenoid type system that will at least click when the battery is too low to crank it over??

Thanks to you all for your expertise!!!

Robin

 

[ottertail]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

Robin
First make sure it is in neutral.
Then put in a known good fully charged battery
Clean with a wire brush the cable ends before hooking to the battery.

If it still does not stat the 20 amp fuse in the wiring harness may be blown.

 

[RocknRobin]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

How do I determine that it is in neutral? When I pull started it, it was not in neutral as the prop was turning.

This boat is a 14ft. Lund Mr. Pike. It can be manually throttled and steered at the motor. It also has a steering wheel and there are two levers mounted next to the wheel (I assume that one lever is for throttle). Could the other lever be for shifting it into neutral?? There are also two buttons on a panel next to these levers. (I assume one is for starting and one is for stopping the engine).

Please advise.
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Robin

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Dry starting a Johnson 30....

You can't start that motor in gear. It has a neutral lock out. The prop will spin even in neutral.

Depending on your controls, the (big?) outside lever is the throttle and the (small?) inside lever is the gear shift for all gears. Who knows about the buttons. Usually, one is for the electric choke/primer and the other for starting.