1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

peewizzzle · May 31, 2010

my motor wont start from the ignition, i turn the key i hear a click thats it. my batterys charged, what can the problem be.

tx1961whaler · May 31, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

Probably a dirty or loose connection. Take loose and clean every connection from the battery to the starter, including the ground connection to the block.

JB · May 31, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

It is most likely a very common, easy to prevent or fix, problem: corrosion in the battery cables or their connections.

Take loose both ends of both battery cables. Check the cables for swollen or weak spots. If you find any, replace the cables. If not, carefully clean all connections and reinstall.

Let us know the result, and good luck.

F_R · Jun 1, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

The wing screw that holds the cable to the side of the motor is the ground connection. It must be there and clean and tight or you have no negative battery cable connection.

peewizzzle · Jun 1, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

i cleaned all the terminals all wire connectors and nothing i checked the positive and negative wires for power going from the battery to the motor theres power, but then i checked the power at the motor theres is nothing, so im guessing it might me something in between?

royal0014 · Jun 1, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

Look at the wiring diagram and check for voltage at the solenoid. One leg is straight from the battery. Another runs to the starter. A smaller wire runs from the ignition switch.

peewizzzle · Jun 1, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

bad starter solenoid just jumped it with a 6 gauge battery cable thank you everyone

peewizzzle · Jun 1, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

actually i replaced it and it didnt work same problem terminals are all clean no loose wires now what... could i take two wire from each side of the starter solenoid and attach it to a heavy duty switch

lindy46 · Jun 1, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

If the starter turns when you jump direct to the battery, then the problem is somewhere in between. Did you replace the solenoid with a proper marine one?

peewizzzle · Jun 1, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

no i used a car solenoid i didnt think it would make a difference as long as it was for a 12volt system and it had the four posts

mike1245 · Jun 1, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

yes it will make a differance also check key switch i just went threw same thing and it winded up being the switch

tx1961whaler · Jun 1, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

A car solenoid may burn out the neutral safety switch, if there is one.

royal0014 · Jun 1, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

If it turns out to be the key switch, DO NOT use an automotive switch. It will send 12 volts to the coils and destroy them!

peewizzzle · Jun 1, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

could that be the problem, the ignition switch? could that be the reason theres power going to the outboard

lindy46 · Jun 2, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

peewizzzle said:
no i used a car solenoid i didnt think it would make a difference as long as it was for a 12volt system and it had the four posts

Different ground set-up on an automotive solenoid.

peewizzzle · Jun 3, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

i finaly got it started then shut it off. went to go start it again turned over started it puttered out then wouldnt start again now i have no spark in either of the two cylanders now what??

mike1245 · Jun 3, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

im still saying key switch

peewizzzle · Jun 3, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

i replaced the coils i had spark lost park got it back lost it again there was then i weak spark but then all of a sudden got good strong spark but now it wont fire its very frustrating

peewizzzle · Jun 5, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

which wire is the kill wire(s). i finnaly got it started now it wont start again but i do have spark i replaced the key on the flywheel

mike1245 · Jun 5, 2010

Re: 1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

black with yellow strip

1960 40hp johnson ignition problems

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