Starter does not stop

[TBro]

I have a 1978 Johnson 70hp. when I engaged the starter the engine cranked but would not stop cranking even after the key was moved to the "off" position. I finally disconnected the battery cable to stop the starter. Any thoughts?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Starter does not stop

Most probable cause is stuck (burned) solenoid contacts. Check across contacts w/ ohm meter. other likely cause is ignition switch hanging up in the "start" position. Again, check with a meter.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Starter does not stop

That sounds to me like a bad key switch. I had a case where I couldn't shut off the engine at the key switch, and I recall that was because of a faulty solenoid -- so maybe there is reason for suspicion there. But the key switch would be the point at which the starter circuit is energized, so it's the likely culprit. It would be a good time to clean each of the connectors at the key switch, and I would spray some electrical cleaner into the switch (By the way, did the spring work to return the key to the run position, or did you have to turn the key back through the run position to the off position manually?).

 

[TBro]

Re: Starter does not stop

The spring return on the key switch worked just fine. I don't recall hearing the solenoid click when I reconnected the cable, so I think I will start with the solenoid<br />Thanks much

 

[Saperry]

Re: Starter does not stop

It is your selonoid in my opinion. If the boat is hard to start and you have to stay on the starter awhile or if you battery is weak or the stater is getting weak, the selonoid has to cary more amps and starts to overheat. The more it overheats the higher the resistance across the selonoid. The higer the resistance the more it overheats and the more amps it draws adding more heat. Eventually the terminals become welded together and even if you turn the key off (which makes no difference anyway aslong as it is not in the start position) the starter will stay engaged. If the moter started with the starter still engaged you coud have damaged the starter windings and/or bendix. <br />Replace the selonoid first then make sure the battery is fully charged. If you have to run starter for long time to get the motor to start don't. Fix the motor problem so it is not so hard to start. Do not runthe stater for more than 5-10 sec at a time and let it cool for a minute or so before you try to start it again.