Johnson 60 -need help on starting issue

[freetime99]

1999 Johnson-60, 3cylinder.
Here's the problem : starts OK and will run all day, but will NOT recrank when warm. If you wait 20+ minutes after running, then everything is OK again. Will re-crank as there was never a problem. I've been living with this for several years. Anyone have any insight on this ?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson 60 -need help on starting issue

Visually check the stator under the flywheel to see if there's a sticky looking substance dripping down from it. A melt down of the large coils within that stator would result in a voltage drop to the powerpack.

After running, all the engine heat rises to that flywheel/stator area. If the stator is failing, the excess heat would interfere with its operation..... then after cooling off somewhat, it may function for a period of time, eventually failing altogether.

This may not be your problem but it's something worth looking into.

NOTE..... Cranking pertains to the engine turning over either by hand or pull rope or electric starter..... cranking and starting are two different areas and should not be confused.

 

[freetime99]

Re: Johnson 60 -need help on starting issue

Thanks for the reply . After inserting a visual scope under the flywheel, I dont see any problem with the stator.No goo or melting. I've had this engine as "new" for 9 years and it's always had this problem ( bought as new in 2001 with no waranty-OMC o/o business then, Bomb. didnt guarantee older than 2000 model-year ). Engine only has 50 hrs. on it now. When I stated : "cranking", I really meant "starting". It just will not re-start until a 20 min. cool-down period has elapsed. After that time, it starts with no problem. The problems caused with this issue are when you go fishing and try to re-start to move to another fishing spot or to outrun an upcoming weather front.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson 60 -need help on starting issue

Having that problem from day one on a new engine is weird. Do you try the initial staring procedure...... pump the fuel primer bulb up hard, engage and hold the fuel primer solenoid when turning the key to the start position?

To determine whether the problem is fuel or ignition related..........

Purchase or build a spark tester whereas you can set a 7/16" gap. When this problem raises its ugly head again, as quickly as possible, remove the spark plugs and check the spark which should jump that 7/16" gap with a strong blue lightning like flame... a real SNAP!

If the spark is anything other than what is described above, the problem is ignition related. Try removing the black/yellow (kill circuit) wire from the powerpack and recheck the ignition. If this results in proper spark, the usual problem is a faulty ignition switch. If still weak, erratic, or no spark, I would be still be looking at a possible faulty stator BUT unfortunately the only way to prove or disprove that assumption is to replace it..... would be nice to have a loaner.

If, on the other hand, the spark is as it should be on the initial spark test, possibly the "Fast Start" circuit is disengaging due to the heat surrounding the powerhead. Try increasing the throttle slightly to start as is/was the case with the older models.

(Spark Tester - Home Made)
(J. Reeves)

A spark tester can be made with a piece of 1x4 or 1x6, drive a few finishing nails through it, then bend the pointed ends at a right angle. You can then adjust the gap by simply twisting the nail(s). Solder a spark plug wire to one which you can connect to the spark plug boots, and a ground wire of some kind to the other to connect to the powerhead somewhere. Use small alligator clips on the other end of the wires to connect to ground and to the spark plug connector that exists inside of the rubber plug boot.

Using the above, one could easily build a spark tester whereas they could connect 2, 4, 6, or 8 cylinders all at one time. The ground nail being straight up, the others being bent, aimed at the ground nail. A typical 4 cylinder tester follows:


..........X1..........X2

.................X..(grd)

..........X3..........X4

 

[freetime99]

Re: Johnson 60 -need help on starting issue

Joe ,

I'll build the spark tester you described and try it ( would a timing light accomplish the same thing ?? )

I've tried advancing the throttle as you described - no difference .

Are there other problems besides throttle advance that a malfunction in the Fast Start System may cause ?

Thanks

 

[freetime99]

Re: Johnson 60 -need help on starting issue

Any help on that last request for info?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson 60 -need help on starting issue

No, a timing light won't do, the spark gap is important.

 

[freetime99]

Re: Johnson 60 -need help on starting issue

Other info. about this problem :

During that 20 minute cool-down period, if you try to start it, the motor will often sneeze and/or backfire . But it will not re-start then. After that 20 minute period, it re-starts and runs just fine. It has always done this.