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1984 Johnson 50hp - ignition switch/kill switch issue

N

numi

New member
Hoping for some assistance identifying problem with ignition switch/kill switch.

Background: The motor didn't start, and I identified it as an ignition problem. Changed power pack without fixing the problem. After reading on the forum I pulled the black/yellow wire going to the coils. Now it starts and runs great! Just can't kill the motor with the

Now: So, based on this I figure I got some problem in the ignition switch circuit. Problem is I know nothing about finding the problem. Can it be some cable around the motor, or is it somewhere around the key/ignition? I have access to a multimeter, but don't really know how to use it.

Any and all suggestions more than welcome!
 
The black/yellow wire is used to shut down the engine. if it wont start with that wire connected, then the wire is short continuously to ground.
I would check the length of the wire for damage but it is more likely the ignition switch.
 
Reconnect the black/yellow wire where ever you disconnected it before.
Does the engine fail to start?
Disconnect the black/yellow wire at the ignition switch.
Does the engine now start?
If no, the problem with the wiring.
If yes, problem with the switch.
 
If it does not start with the wire disconnected at the switch, trace the cable back from the remote to the engine and look for any damage.

You can use your meter on the continuity setting to check it the wire is shorted.
Disconnect the black/yellow wire at both the ignition switch and the engine.
Put one meter lead on a known good ground. Touch the other to the wire that goes from the remote
to the engine (either end will do).
If it shows continuity to ground, the problem is with that section of wire.
If there is no continuity, try the black/yellow that goes to the power pack.
Continuity here means the problem is with the wire between where you touched it
and the power pack.
 
Last edited:
Update: finally got a chance to look over the problem (been raining for weeks!). Followed the excellent advice and found a corroded connection in the control harness. Polished it, made sure i closed better and every works perfectly!

Thanks for the support!
 
numi said:
Update: finally got a chance to look over the problem (been raining for weeks!). Followed the excellent advice and found a corroded connection in the control harness. Polished it, made sure i closed better and every works perfectly!

Thanks for the support!
Click to expand...

Glad to hear you got it working!
Now have some fun boating.
 
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