Older Johnson 7.5 getting shocked.

[cary 72]

Hi Lately when using the motor, give it gas and I get a shock, have to wear a glove. Any ideas what is causing this in the steering column ?

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Older Johnson 7.5 getting shocked.

The only place it can come from is the magneto, but I would think that would also effect the running quality of the engine. A plug wire going to ground would kill power to that plug. Look at the coil, and condenser wires' to the point's.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Older Johnson 7.5 getting shocked.

What year or model? If it has the later CD ignition, it's probably a kill switch wire with some rubbed off insulation inside the tiller handle. That'll shock you.

 

[cary 72]

Re: Older Johnson 7.5 getting shocked.

Thanks for your response. The Johnson is model J8RCSS, 1980. I checked the wires and they all look good. Any suggestions on how to go about finding the elect. leak.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Older Johnson 7.5 getting shocked.

Fire it up in the dark of night and you may be able to see where the errant spark is coming from. Like others have said you should notice an improved performance once you resolve this issue. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Older Johnson 7.5 getting shocked.

Thanks for your response. The Johnson is model J8RCSS, 1980. I checked the wires and they all look good. Any suggestions on how to go about finding the elect. leak.

Does it have the kill switch on the tiller handle? If so, disconnect the wires and see if it stops shocking you. If so, there's probably a wire with insulation rubbed off inside the tiller handle.

I don't have that particular model, so I'm not sure of the details, but there's a pretty good voltage on the kill switch wires.

OK, I went and looked at the diagrams. It has the kill switch on the end of the tiller handle. It's not at all uncommon for those wires to get the insulation rubbed off. I'd be willing to bet that's where the shock is coming from. You may have to disassemble the handle to get to all the wires. A manual will help.

 

[cary 72]

Re: Older Johnson 7.5 getting shocked.

thanks for all the help, however the engine runs fine and will plane out, easy to start etc. I have found no chafed wires when I took off the handle so I will continue and let everyone know when I find, or if not, the problem.