1970 johnson 60hp (60esl70) starter problem

[Dan baker]

please help!
i am new to outboards and the other day my motor started smoking. took off the top and smoke wsa coming directly from the hole under the sterter assembly with an electrical smell. nothing else was smoking, and i just needed to know if it is a safe bet that it needs to be replaced. already ordered the part from marineengine.
also, what could havecaused it? engine ran pretty good. just old? any way to prevent in future?

all advice would be grateful

 

[jim18611865]

Starter sticking in the up position. Happened to me last week.
Ign. switch was sticking in the start position.

 

[martino1]

Bad ignition switch, or shorted starter solenoid come to mind.