Johnson 50hp Not cranking normally

[janul15]

Hello All,
This has probably been covered many times, but.... I had my Johnson 1996 50 hp cranking and starting O.K., then it suddenly wouldn't. Key turned to start, absolutely nothing, no click from solenoid. Battery is well charged, and I can get it to crank when I connect, at the solenoid, the battery input terminal to the starter wire input terminal. The problem must be, I think, along the red/yellow wire connecting the keyswitch to the solenoid. I don't think it's the keyswitch, or not just the keyswitch- because I have previously, and accidently had the engine turn over when I touched 2 pins in a 6-pin cable connector with a screwdriver, and this doesn't happen now. I hope I'm making sense. What should I check, and fix?

 

[racerone]

Check the neutral switch in the control box.

 

[Crosbyman]

After checking the neutral switch if the problem still persists put the key on START and have a buddy wiggle the wiring all the way back to the engine . check any connectors for oxidation

 

[Vic.S]

Hello All,
This has probably been covered many times, but.... I had my Johnson 1996 50 hp cranking and starting O.K., then it suddenly wouldn't. Key turned to start, absolutely nothing, no click from solenoid. Battery is well charged, and I can get it to crank when I connect, at the solenoid, the battery input terminal to the starter wire input terminal. The problem must be, I think, along the red/yellow wire connecting the keyswitch to the solenoid. I don't think it's the keyswitch, or not just the keyswitch- because I have previously, and accidently had the engine turn over when I touched 2 pins in a 6-pin cable connector with a screwdriver, and this doesn't happen now. I hope I'm making sense. What should I check, and fix?

I believe there is a fuse which you may have blown poking around with a screwdriver

Otherwise check that you have power at the key switch, then on the red/yellow wire when the switch is turned to start

 

[janul15]

Thanks for that. Is there just one fuse (20amp)? It looks O.K., but I'll change it for a new one. How do I check power at The key swich?

 

[oldboat1]

Sandpaper all wire ends until shiny, incl. the large wires at the battery.

 

[Vic.S]

Thanks for that. Is there just one fuse (20amp)? It looks O.K., but I'll change it for a new one. How do I check power at The key swich?

Test the fuse. Fit a new one if it has blown.

My preferred method of testing for power is with a (12volt) bulb on a couple of wires, but you could use a multimeter/ voltmeter. If you use a multimeter be aware that because digital meters take so little current they can give a normal reading through a bad connection. and sooner or later will make a fool of you. ( I have the tee shirt)