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1999 Johnson 150 HP Start and Tilt/Trim Problem

S

Stratos34

New member
Bought my boat last year as my first bass boat and it has a 1999 Johnson 150 on it (J150PLEES 1999). Ran great all year last year. First time out this year is good until the afternoon and we turn key and click. Tapped on solenoid and got her started and back to the dock. I replaced the starter solenoid and everything seemed fine.


First time out after replacing the solenoid and boat starts up and runs a few times from spot to spot. All of a sudden turn the key and click again plus I lose all tilt/trim. Tap solenoid after removing the hood and got her started and tilt/trim came back.

So finally going through manual last night and checking a few issues in my driveway. Engine was turning over and tilt/trim okay (but seems slow on the up) but sounds like solenoid is rattling inside with the hood off. Eventually both systems stop working and repeat tapping on solenoid and both come back.
Long story short, I am out of ideas. Replace solenoid again or is something else elctrical wrong that keeps causing the solenoid to go bad? Thanks for any help or insight that I can get. Mechanic may not be able to look at it for awhile so I am trying to see if this issue can be solved by myself.
 
Assuming the battery is in tip top condition and fully charged (and if not, replace it)........

You are encountering a voltage drop due to either a loose connection OR a tight but dirty connection. Remove all connections, including the battery terminals, solenoid, ground at powerhead, etc (everything pertaining to the electric starter system).

Clean those cable connections and also the components that they attach to, then tighten them securely with a wrench or pliers.... not your fingers if wing nuts are encountered.
 
Thanks for the answer. Battery is definitely perfect, brand new and tested voltage. I will do what you say tonight. Could the voltage drop cause the solenoid to go bad because that seems to be the real culprit (i.e., the rattling noise from the solenoid).
 
A voltage drop usually results in having the solenoid stick in the closed position, causing voltage to flow to the starter even with the key in the OFF position. The "rattling" you speak of is something that I've never encountered.... there's nothing inside that solenoid that should rattle UNLESS the plunger return spring broke.
 
Joe, did some voltage testing last night after I cleaned connections and tightened everything up. Still nothing but a click at the solenoid when the key is turned. Voltage was consistent from battery to large input of solenoid and thru output of solenoid. Not sure where to go next. It has to be an electrical issue as the tilt and trim and the engine are both out and have worked intermittently together.
 
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