long shot

[bitemyplums]

hi I've just bought a very old Johnson 65hp motor for a winter project. it has the big red plug and wiring which has two branches off to the battery terminals then the rest to the front of the boat which isnt connected yet. now my dilemma as soon as i connect the battery terminals the boat starts. i have to choke the engine out to stop the engine. is this usual or is this fault in the wiring. i would have thought connect everything then ignition it would start boat. none of the wires at the ignition key side are connected and i have insulated them all in case something was touching
oh and thanks for your time guys new here not sure of the etiquet.

 

[Droid]

Assuming 65HP 3 cyl, it sounds like your starter solenoid is shorted closed.

 

[racerone]

Question aside.-----When the motor started did you have water on the lower unit to keep the impeller cool ?

 

[bitemyplums]

yeah cable was on starter rather than solenoid im a dolt. yeah had a big water barrel on it when it was running. first engine that I've owned that didn't run off muffs

 

[fitz73222]

Are you talking about a 1968 V4 65hp?

 

[bitemyplums]

v 3 i think there is only 3 plugs

 

[racerone]

The big red plug and 65HP would only be a 1973 model !

 

[bitemyplums]

brill thanks for the info not quite as old as me but getting there