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1996 9.9 Johnson won't start

M

Mlboyer65

New member
Hi all,
Let me share my story which I'm sure will elicit "What a dumbass!". Having said that I hope you'll still offer advice. New boat, running across the lake and the underdash buzzer sounds. I convince myself that since the engine is peeing, how could it be overheating? Soon engine stopped dead, will not recrank. Thankfully, trolling motor gets us back to the landing. Began researching & troubleshooting. I had no spark, tested ignition coils and they were fine. I convinced myself that thermostat was bad which led to death of Power Pack. Ordered and installed new thermostat and Power Pack. For good measure put in new plugs. Now I have spark and fuel is coming out of exhaust after cranking (so I think fuel delivery is good) but still won't start. I think I should run compression test next? When I had plugs out I put my thumb over hole and "felt" like good compression. Only other weird thing is I broke the kill switch during this time and I think I understand it...when lanyard is removed from switch the plunger extends which shorts out and doesn't allow engine to run? I reasoned that if I removed the swith from the leads (until I can order new one) it should be same as switch being installed with plunger depressed since that condition yields an open between terminals. Anyway.... Any thoughts on what to do next? Thanks in advance for your time.
Michael

'96 Johnson 9.9 model J10RELEDD
 
The pee stream only indicates a good water pump, in other words it tells you the state of your impeller. A good pee stream does not mean you have good cooling and as you've found out you should listen to the warnings your engine gives you. If you've overheated there is probably some damage in to the cylinder, rings and pistons. If the stopped the engine and bound it up I'd imagine the damage isn't minor. You definitely need to do a compression check. From what you've descibed I would think that you're going to find low compression in one or more cylinders which is likely to be the cause of the no start.
 
I was not there when engine failed.----I canot touch your engine.----You say you have fuel , spark and compression.----Based on this information you provided I would check for a sheared flywheel key.
 
Thanks for the quick replies. I have receipt from when I purchased boat stating compression was 105 in both cylinders. Need to obtain a compression checker to verify current condition. I will check flywheel key, not sure i understand though? Thanks
 
Update...Compression is ~105 in each cylinder. While cranking I'm now getting smoke out of the exhaust like it's trying to start. Thinking it may be flooded. Let it set awhile and try later.
 
Did it got hot enough to melt plastic parts attached to the head? If so then I am not confident in your recent compression test. Once a motor seizes from overheat, the end is near.
 
Good news! Even though I installed new Power Pack exactly as old one was, out of frustration I switched plug wires and motor roared to life! Go figure. Took boat out today, motor performed flawlessly. Lessen learned, when buzzer activates shut down motor!! Thanks everyone for your replies. Happy boating!
 
I've seen that done before, stupid mistake but happens more than you think. In the old days the top wire was always marked top or up with a little band on it. You might want to monitor compression over time because if the cylinder or piston is scored, it may lose compression little by little.
 
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