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88 Johnson 28HP wonbt start

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GlennS

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"I was idling for approx 5 min

"I was idling for approx 5 minutes, then in neutral revved the engine a little. Shut it down, waited approx 5 minutes. Tried to restart, starter motor cranked away, no start.
Fresh charged battery. After trying several times to start, I advanced the hand throttle in neutral. Starter cranked, but no fire. Then I tried to start again, and no cranking of starter motor. That was 2 weeks ago, and starter motor doesn't kick at all. Dead silent. Any ideas ?"
 
"Your post sounds like you hav

"Your post sounds like you have two problems, the electric starter won't crank the engine... and if it does, the engine won't start. If you have the throttle advanced too far, that (on some models) will disengage the starter circuit. However, one thing at a time.....

Remove the spark plugs and rig up a spark tester of some kind whereas you can set a 7/16" gap. The spark should jump that gap with a strong blue lightning like flame.... a real SNAP!

If no spark, and you have remote electric starting at the console/dash, disconnect the RED electrical plug at the engine, then check the spark again by cranking the engine via a small jumper wire from the battery terminal of the starter solenoid to the small 3/8" nut of the solenoid that energizes the starter.

If you now have spark, the usual cause is a shorted ignition switch, in which case replace it. If still no spark, that usually points to a faulty powerpack.

Let us know what you find."
 
"Joe:

Thank you for your sp

"Joe:

Thank you for your speedy reply.
My problem is that the starter doesn't turn at all when the ign. key is turned to the on position. Without this, I can't check the coil/plugs, etc.

Today I removed the remote controlled shifter box fron its mounting position, and I immediately noticed that one of the two leads attached to the neutral safety switch was disconnected. In fact, the switch pole was broken off with a little stub still visible.

Then I noticed the LARGE FEMALE BLACK WIDOW that was lingering in the box. I promptly took care of this "lady" and resumed evaluating the situation. I removed the safety switch, cleaned it up, and soldered a short lead to the remaining stub. I reinstalled the safety switch, and presto, the starter cranked, and after a few spins the ol'Johnson was idling.

I shut it off and restarted it a couple of time, with erratic success. I am tending to feel that my ignition switch is a candidate for replacement along with a new safety switch, so this is the likely path I will take. I don't know how easy it is to find parts such as these, but I do have a good marine supply store close to me.

I'll keep you posted, but I think I've got the problem under control now.

Thanks again."
 
Black widows are ornery. She

Black widows are ornery. She obviously didn't like you disrupting her sleep by taking the boat out. I'm confident that she disconnected your neutral safety switch and started to trash your ignition switch.
 
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