73 65hp Johnson Starting issue

1. I think it's a 73, my dads boat and that's what it's titled as, cannot find any serial numbers on it.
2. Fresh/new battery that's connected properly.
3. I've checked, cleaned and tightened as many positive/ grounds as I can find.
4. Getting 12v to top and bottom posts on a new solenoid when key switch is turned to start position and controls are in neutral. 11.99v to cut out switch from the solenoid(I think is my answer).
5. Runs like a scalded dog once started, I thought it was a solenoid because I could jump the posts to start it.
6. I tried not to take a shotgun approach and checked v output from the battery to the ignition back to the solenoid.

Thanks in advance for any advise.

D Hunter

Re: 73 65hp Johnson Starting issue

First I gotta ask--did you install a new OMC solenoid, or a Ford solenoid? If a Ford, put the OMC back on. They are different.

OK, #4. When you turn the key to start position, there should be a nominal 12V to one of the small terminals on the solenoid, and zero on the other.

If you have a nominal 12V on both, one of two things is wrong: 1. The throttle may be advanced too far. Pull it back to the start position. If that isn't it, 2. The safety switch is shot or out of adjustment. Remove the wire from it and ground the wire. If it cranks now, fix whatever is wrong with the safety switch.

If you have installed a Ford solenoid, that is what is wrong with the safety switch. A Ford solenoid will burn up the safety switch in a heartbeat.

Re: 73 65hp Johnson Starting issue

Yes, to buying an solenoid from the auto parts store, but after being told by n others regarding this issue I bought a OMC and installed accordingly.

#4. at start I gat 12 to both small posts, at the on position I get 0.(key positions, on then start recoil to on). Ground the"two wires"to the control box frame or together?

Re: 73 65hp Johnson Starting issue

By "Safety Switch", I am speaking of the switch that is activated by the throttle lever on the motor, not the one in the remote control.

Going through it again, there are two small terminals on the starting solenoid. With the key turned to start position, there should be 12V on one of them and zero on the other. You said you have 12V on both. That indicates the safety switch (the one on the motor) is open. It opens when you advance the throttle, so if that is the case, it is normal and just pull the throttle back to slow position. But if that is not the situation here, remove the wire from the safety switch (the one on the motor), and ground the wire. If it cranks now, the switch is burned up or out of adjustment.

I shouldn't say this but the 1974 motors no longer have that safety switch on the motor, just the one in the control. So, on the 1974 models, the second small terminal on the solenoid is simply grounded. If you want to update your 1973, that is smething you need to decide on your own, I'm not telling you to do it.

Re: 73 65hp Johnson Starting issue

The switch on the motor "was" my problem. Runs like a scalded dog again. Thank you very much F_R.