tiller handle shocked me

[davejnz]

I was running my Johnson 20hp yesterday on muffs and when i touched the tiller handle while holding the engine it shocked me.I've had this motor for almost 2 years and that has never happened.I checked the grounds and they appear good.I tried it again and this time there was no shock.What's going on,is this normal?

 

[DJ]

Re: tiller handle shocked me

Do you have a wire (spark plug) pinched in the engine cover? Or, between the engine cover and lower pan?<br /><br />Also, look at the spak plug wire leads. You may see where they are rubbing against something.

 

[davejnz]

Re: tiller handle shocked me

No pinching with the plug wires,In fact,when this happened the cover was off.There are 2 wires coming from the tiller handle.They go around the engine and up to a ground on the coil and the other one goes to the wire plug connector.They were just laying in the lower compartment and there is an insulated holder bolted to the engine that looks like where they should be.I think there might be some kind of short at the kill switch on the end of the tiller.There is a knob on the end of tiller that you can rotate to change the idle speed.I always have had it turned all the way down.I usually never move it.Today,when i started<br />the engine and started to turn the knob,the engine died.

 

[davejnz]

Re: tiller handle shocked me

Do you think that might be the problem?a short in the kill switch.I have a Clymer manuel but it doesn't say anything about tiller handles.

 

[backdraft]

Re: tiller handle shocked me

You have a short in the kill switch wiring. Been there , done that.

 

[davejnz]

Re: tiller handle shocked me

Does anyone know how to disconnect the tiller handle/kill switch?My manuel doesn't say

 

[Xcusme]

Re: tiller handle shocked me

Davejnz,<br />A short in the kill wires would make it impossible for your motor to start, hence, your kill wires are not shorted. The 'kill' button connects the 2 wires together when you want to stop the motor. If one of the 2 wires is 'open' (broken), you won't be able to kill the motor with the button.<br /><br />To disconnect the kill switch do one of the following.<br />1. Unbolt the wire going to the coil 'ground' and insulate the connector end.<br />2. Remove other wire going to wiring harness and insulate wire connector end.<br />3. Disconnect either wire from rear of kill switch (if accessible) and insulate wire end.

 

[davejnz]

Re: tiller handle shocked me

I think its only shorting at times when i rotate the knob at the end of tiller where kill switch is.I need to figure out how to get the tiller twist grip off so i can repair it.Do you think it might be easier to disconnect the switch at the tiller and replace it with one on the motor cover?

 

[Xcusme]

Re: tiller handle shocked me

If you have a service manual and/or a parts manual, you should have the info needed to open the tiller handle. You can install another kill switch in the motor cowling too. Just cut the two wires going to the original switch and swing them over to the new switch. The new switch should be a Normally Open type switch that makes contact when pushed. There is no polarity to the wires, just one wire to each screw terminal on the new switch. If it was my call, I'd opt for an OEM replacement switch if they are still available.

 

[G DANE]

Re: tiller handle shocked me

If you can still kill the motor by the switch, you switch is probably OK, but a wire worn through, touching the iddle speed shaft, when you turn it. Find the worn spot and put insulating tape or crimp insualtion ( right word ? ) on. You should be able to figure how to disassemble the tiller handle by examining carefully. I'v had a couple of raps from a kill wire too, its 340V AC i beleive.

 

[davejnz]

Re: tiller handle shocked me

It has no visible screws,just plactic handle with twist grip throttle,idle adjust knob with kill-switch on end.The switch does still work when pushed in.sounds likeyou nailed it,thanks GDANE<br />and everyone else.Man,I need an OMC manual,these Clymers just aren't very good