2004 Johnson 175 won't start

I have a 175 with problems! Initially the engine would barely start and when it did it would sometimes go dead when put into gear and other times it would run rough. That seemed to work itself out after a few minutes (first time to start it in 8 months). Then, once it started idling fine, it wouldn't get above 3000 rpm. I replaced the power pack. Next trip it finally planed out and seemed to run great but once up on plane for a few minutes it started to lose RPM and finally went dead and wouldn't start back, not even turn over. I replaced the stator. Engine turned over a few times but that was it. Now it won't turn over again. What's the deal?

Re: 2004 Johnson 175 won't start

First thing you should do is stop throwing expensive, non refundable parts at it, as it can get hard on the wallet. Use that money to buy a factory service manual, which will help you troubleshoot these problems, it will pay for itself a million times over. Check www.ebay.com or www.outboardbooks.com for a factory reprint. Then go to the FAQ section on this forum and look for the thread "Outboard Wont Start" by JB and let us know what you find.

Good luck.

Re: 2004 Johnson 175 won't start

Been there done that. That's why i replaced the p.pack and stator. The loss of RPM and limited RPM led to the p.pack and lack of fire and couple other things led to the stator. But, still not cranking. Getting fuel, so i don't think it's a fuel problem. Plugs are plenty wet. The last time, when it slowly started losing RPM"s and eventually went dead, my first thought was no fuel since it slowly started to lose RPMs. But, when i tilted the engine up there was fuel in the carbs and when i pulled the plugs they were wet. So, i'm stumped. Also, putting the stator on did make it turn over again, but just a few times then it went back to not turning over at all. The gas is old, i know that, but it atleast cranked earlier with the same gas, so I feel like it should crank now aswell. Mechanic (recommended to me by several guys) has had it for two weeks and is stumped also, that's why i'm here!

Re: 2004 Johnson 175 won't start

start at the beginning of the troubleshooting process, what is your compression on all cylinders with the plugs out, do you have spark on all cylinders that will just atleast 1/2 inch. answer these and we go from there.

Re: 2004 Johnson 175 won't start

tashasdaddy said:

start at the beginning of the troubleshooting process, what is your compression on all cylinders with the plugs out, do you have spark on all cylinders that will just atleast 1/2 inch. answer these and we go from there.

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I have a 2001 that is having a similar problem, only, no spark. when i got the motor the power packs and relay were replaced. could the ignition switch be the problem? the black/yellow wire has another wire in the same plug to the power pack. i cannot disconnect just one of them since the plug has both wires in it. i just want to get spark to the plugs and i'm confident the engine will start. i have a manual but it is not clear what to do because it doesnt show locations of the components. just diagrams without pictures. i need to know how to trace from switch down the line or back from the starter i guess. i'm not real good at this stuff either. but, locating the components (ground locations, etc.) will help me.