1974 Johnson 70hp Outboard Wont start from turning the key

We are new boat owners and we are having issues!! I hope someone can Help!!!!! The Motor starts by jumping from the battery cable to the starter. We thought it was the solenoid replaced it with a Ford solenoid still nothing. Test light showed power coming off of the ignition wire to the solenoid but it still won't start. He also checked the ground and all of the cables. He says it should work but just doesn't. We are STUMPED!!

Also the Electro Magnet in the choke isn't strong enough (or just doesn't) to pull the choke closed!)

Maybe this will help...
The guy we bought it from said he took it out twice the first time it ran great the second time it just died on him and he couldn't get it to start. He said it felt like it just lost power.

????? PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!????????????????????

Re: 1974 Johnson 70hp Outboard Wont start from turning the key

Ford solenoid was a bad idea.

You need to insure ALL battery connections are solid (clean, tight, no corrosion). Get the right solenoid and clean up the connections. You may need to replace some cables, depending on condition. Don't miss the grounds either.

Re: 1974 Johnson 70hp Outboard Wont start from turning the key

Ford starter solenoids have grounded cases which is not what you want.

Loosen the choke solenoid and move it in small increments until it will close the chokes. It should be bone dry - no oil.

If the choke solenoid has two purple wires running to it, you may want to rewire it if it has not already been done. Originally, the motor had an automatic choke feature that did not work particularly well; most of the automatic chokes were disable in 1974.

Re: 1974 Johnson 70hp Outboard Wont start from turning the key

Wow. The starting problem was because of a ground. We grounded the Starter to the solenoid and it turns over from the key now!! YEY!! Still haven't fixed the choke but yes it does have 2 wires so it need so be rewired. Thank you so much for your help!!!