Johnson starter keeps on running

[JBZ BOAT]

My new to me 1971 Johnson 60 HP starter just keeps on running after engine starts. Even if I rope pull start it. Then everything stops when I turn key off. What on earth could be wrong here?

 

[gm280]

My new to me 1971 Johnson 60 HP starter just keeps on running after engine starts. Even if I rope pull start it. Then everything stops when I turn key off. What on earth could be wrong here?

First things first.

:welcome: to iboats. Great to have you aboard...

As for your starter problem, sounds like the starter is stuck against the flywheel. You need to remove it and see if it retracts back. If it does, you may need to grease it up. If it doesn't retract, you've found your problem. Either way, I would remove the starter and give it a good going over to make sure it is working properly. JMHO

 

[JBZ BOAT]

Thank you. The starter gear is free of the flywheel after it starts. For some reason the starter seem to be still energized after the engine starts.

 

[Chris1956]

Sounds like the starter solenoid is stuck closed. That can happen if the ignition key is stuck in the "start" position, or the
solenoid is stuck in the closed position.

If you disconnect the small red wire on the starter solenoid, and she still turns, you have a stuck solenoid. If she acts normally when the small red wire is disconnected, you have a bad ign keyswitch.

This all presumes the motor is wired correctly.

 

[gm280]

I have to concur with Chris1956's assessment. And I say that because in your initial comment, you stated that even if you rope pull start the engine, the starter spins. Since you haven't energized the starter via the key when pull starting, it has to be a problem with the starter solenoid. Otherwise the starter bendix would be out touching the flywheel.
.
Look at the starter before even inserting the ignition key. Is it touching the flywheel? If no insert the key and turn it to on, not start, but on. Now look at the starter. Is it touching the flywheel now? If so, you have a wiring or ignition key issue.

 

[Chris1956]

UPDATE: The small wire on the starter solenoid that provides power to energize it is likely yellow/red, not red as I had said.

Sorry about that...

 

[JBZ BOAT]

Thank you. I tried another control box last night and no change, so that should eliminate the key switch. I will look at the soleonoid tonight and see if that makes any difference.

 

[JBZ BOAT]

Thank you for all your input. Found my problem. Someone previously had converted a coil from who knows what and took the power for it off of one of the little posts on the solenoid. That was back feeding power to the starter andit would spin whenever the motor was running. So not knowing what actual coil is on it I ordered the proper parts (amplifier kit) and am planning on returning it back to original.