Johnson 115hp Outboard trouble

DoubleExcell · 05-04-2009, 10:04 AM

I went out with my 2 boys this past weekend and we had trouble starting the motor. I cleaned all the battery, switch, motor cable connections and even replaced the starter solenoid. Turn the key to start and nothing happens. I replaced the ignition switch and still nothing happens. It's a push to choke ignition switch by the way. I changed out the new switch and went back to the original ingnition switch and no go there either. It's a 1985 Johnson 115hp outboard. I jumpered the solenoid to the starter and got it to fire up. So far, I've installed new spark plugs, new starter solenoid and tried a new ignition switch. I'm kind of a wits end. Anybody have any tips or advice of what to try next? Any help will be greatly appreciated. The best outboard repair shop near where I live says it will be about 9 months before they can check out my problem. Unfortunately the prawn season isn't that long not to mention halibut, ling cod...etc thanks for listening. LOL

Tinman · 05-04-2009, 11:04 AM

I sent you a private message, check your inbox

Waterfish · 05-04-2009, 01:54 PM

If you are close to Salem, take it to Sportsman Marine. They are Evinrude/Johnson experts and great guys to do business with!

Lunkerlander · 05-04-2009, 07:32 PM

Is it in the Neutral switch? My brothers boat did somthing simialar to this a few years ago and it turned out to be in his controls. It was in neutral but wasnt triping the switch so the motor still thought it was in gear and wouldn't start.

DoubleExcell · 05-05-2009, 11:18 AM

You know, that could be what's going on. I had the same thought run through my head at one time during this little fiasco but it left as quickly as it came...hahaha...thanks for that tip, I'll check it out tonight or asap and let you know. It's an intermittent problem so, sometimes it starts right up and other times, nothing. thanks again for taking the time to answer me. I do appreciate it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lunkerlander

Is it in the Neutral switch? My brothers boat did somthing simialar to this a few years ago and it turned out to be in his controls. It was in neutral but wasnt triping the switch so the motor still thought it was in gear and wouldn't start.

DoubleExcell · 05-12-2009, 07:56 AM

well, I pulled the neutral safety switch and tested it with an ohm meter and it actuated each time I moved it. It's a normally open switch but in neutral, it closes completing the circuit. I re-installed it and tested it in place and it functioned perfectly. I'm kind of at wits end here. Anyone got any bright ideas of where to look next?

bobber_boy · 05-14-2009, 09:37 AM

start tracing wires for a possible break or bad connection. thats what it was on my old glastron

James in Idaho · 05-18-2009, 12:26 PM

There's a fuse that might be blown. I think it's in a red rubber fuse holder, and it's on the left (looking toward the bow) side. I'm not near my motor right now, and it's been a couple of years since I had to replace the fuse in mine. There might be a wire holder on the fuse holder. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll look at mine so I can be more specific. But if it's blown, nothing happens.

ondarvr · 05-26-2009, 09:33 PM

If you're still having a problem, undo the big red wiring connector under the cowl and jump the starter. this will tell you if it's the in the controls or at the engine. If it turns over and starts it's in the controls, if it won't turn over then its at the engine. You won't be able to stop it if it starts, so you'll need to flip the choke on by hand, or pull the plug wires off with your teeth, your choice.

DoubleExcell · 06-01-2009, 10:06 AM

I found some corroded wiring in the control box when I changed out the keyswitch. The book has some trouble shooting sections that pointed me to the switch. The neutral switch was and is fine. I pulled and tested that repeatedly, re-installed and tested it again and that's working as it should. I tried jump starting it at the solenoid and it started up. It's missing pretty bad and smokes a lot. The port side top and bottom cylinder are fouling pretty badly. Sound like a power pack problem? Coil problem? little help here? I do appreciate all the help and comments so far. Not finished yet but making progress...thanks again...DE

DoubleExcell · 06-01-2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James in Idaho

There's a fuse that might be blown. I think it's in a red rubber fuse holder, and it's on the left (looking toward the bow) side. I'm not near my motor right now, and it's been a couple of years since I had to replace the fuse in mine. There might be a wire holder on the fuse holder. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll look at mine so I can be more specific. But if it's blown, nothing happens.

Thanks James. I found the splice box and the fuse holder you are talking about and checked it with an ohm meter and the fuse is fine. Checked all the splices and they are fine with little or no corrosion. They were sealed up pretty well. I'm leaning toward the power pack or coils on the right side of the motor. The two cylinders on that side are fouling the plugs pretty badly.

ondarvr · 06-03-2009, 07:59 PM

Check to see if those two cylinders have any spark at all.

Bad coils are common, look for cracks or discolored spots where its been arcing. Start it up at night and look for stray sparks jumping near the coils.

Pull off the plug wires one at a time, see which cylinders make a difference.