2003 Johnson 175hp

[seaboss]

I have a no run issue with my Johnson 2003 175 with OIS 2000 ignition system. The problem started about 2 weeks ago. I went to use the boat for the first time this season after putting it in the water. It usually starts easy. 2 weeks ago the starter would engage(crank)for a short period of time and then you would hear the starter drive kick out and the engine stop turning over.I finally got it started with the engine back firing lightly a few times before starting. Once started it ran ok. Went to the fuel dock for gas and I could not get it to start again with the starter kicking out again. I charged the batteries for a couple of hours cleaned all battery connections and tried starting it. It turns over and the starter stays engaged until I release the key, leading me to believe the batteries were a bit down. It will not even hint that it will run. Pulled the plugs and they were wet with gas and installed fresh new set. Still cranking strong but will not run. I did a quick test of #1 plug and there wasn't a spark. What perplexes me is the problem went from a starter disengaging issue (low batteries?) to a no run (ignition) issue. I checked for any disconnected electrical connections and found none loose or disconnected. So my analogy is that the batteries were a little low but finally allowed engine to start, but what caused the no spark condition after the engine started? Any ideas?

 

[coueytwo]

Re: 2003 Johnson 175

Disconnect the black and yellow wire (the kill wire) on the motor and see if you have fire.

 

[seaboss]

Re: 2003 Johnson 175

Thanks for the reply. I talked to my local Evinrude\Johnson dealer and he mentioned that he sold a lot of the optical sensors located under the timing wheel on this model engine. Installed it and it fired right up. I hate replacing parts without the ability to test the current part but in this case it solved my problem. Hope to get out tomorrow. Enjoy the long weekend.