Kill switch problem

I have a 2000 Johnson 50HP and I can't figure out what is going on with it. Was running fine one day, then stopped just died. I just got it so I figured I would pull the carbs and clean them. While doing so, I found a bad fuel line. I figured this was my problem. I fired it up and while adjusting the carbs, it stopped giving me spark. I checked everything I could think of and figured it was the powerpack, but wasn't sure so I took it to a local guy who said it was indeed the powerpack. Well, I put that in and it started and ran for a few seconds, then no spark. I after reading thru tons of forums, I decided to check the kill wire (black w/ yellow stripe). I unhooked it from the powerpack and it starts right up, but kills it if I put it back in. So next I unhook controller wire harness (big red plug) and check the kill wire from the key switch to the powerpack. My Ohm meter goes to 0 Ohm?s in only one spot on the plug. (not sure if this proves the harness is good or not) Then I replace the key switch and still no spark with kill wire plugged in. I put it in forward and it will not turn the engine over, so I assume the neutral safety switch is good. I have the manual with the diagrams and my controller matches the book, except it doesn?t have a lanyard kill switch. There is no hole in the controller cover so no place to mount the lanyard kill switch. Could this be my problem? Do I have wire one in elsewhere? Will I have any problems if I don?t plug in the kill wire to the powerpack and find another way to shutoff the engine?

Side mount controller has a key switch (6 pin), neutral kill switch, warning horn, and accessories plug (not used).

Please help, any suggestions would be appreciated. I have family in town and would love to take them out on the water.

Re: Kill switch problem

I did not think the newer (newer than 1996) Johnny's had the big red plug. My '98 Johnny does not have it.

The ign switch on my motor is a combo ign switch and kill switch. You can attach a lanyard with a clip to it, and if you pull the lanyard, it mechanically turns the ign switch off. The clip pulls the center of the ign switch out to allow the motor to run. When you pull the lanwayd, the switch snaps back. Perhaps you have this type and it is defective?

If not, it sounds like you need a new ign switch.

Re: Kill switch problem

I am pretty sure that the previous owner put this boat together from whatever he had in his shop. I think it is an older style controller and wire harness. You can tell on the engine wire harness that he just made it work. But it ran good when I got it. I just got a new ignition switch and they didn?t say anything about it having a lanyard. I will look into that. Do you think I will have any problems if I don?t plug in the kill wire to the powerpack and find another way to shutoff the engine?

Re: Kill switch problem

I called into the marina that I got the switch from and they told me that because it has screw terminals on the back it is the older style key switch and doesn?t have a lanyard kill built into it. Could this be my problem? Do I need to install a different key switch or the lanyard switch outside the control box?

Re: Kill switch problem

You need an ign switch for a magneto-style ign. You probably have the correct one, since they are the most common. It should have terminals marked M, M, S, I, B and maybe a C if you have the push to choke model. You do not need a lanyard and kill switch. If the ign switch has less terminals say I, B, S, C, it is the wrong one.

The newer Johnnyrude OB have about three connectors that attach the motor harness to the boat harness. I have heard that BRP did make an adaptor from the old style boat wiring with the big red plug to the new 3 connector motor harness.

Re: Kill switch problem

You can run it with the kill wire disconnected, you will have to choke it till it shuts down. Could you post your model number, I would like to look up a schematic of your engine.

Re: Kill switch problem

model number is J50ELSSA. Since I can't figure out why it won't run with the kill wire on, I was thinking about putting a simple toggle switch on the kill wire and then toggle it off to kill the motor. I would like a second opinion. Could this hurt anything? It?s a big pontoon boat so I don?t think I will be accidently falling off while driving around at a top speed of 12 MPH....... I don't think a lanyard would make a difference.

Re: Kill switch problem

You could run a ground wire to the block and to one side of a toggle switch and the black/yellow to the other side and it would ground the power pack and shut down the engine.
Just remember to flip the toggle switch before you try and start it.

Re: Kill switch problem

Thats kind of what I am thinking. Maybe put the toggle up by the controls, that way the switch would be by the ignition too. I will let you know how it works. Thanks for all the help everyone

Re: Kill switch problem

You already have a toggle switch by the controls, it's called the key switch.