89 johnson wont turn over after running for a while.

I have a 89 johnson outboard, it starts up fine at first, and does ok if I run it for short periods, but if I run it for more than 10 or 15 minutes when I try to start it, it wont turn over, I can see it dragging down the volts gauge on the boat, and if I push the key in I can hear the choke clicking, but the motor wont turn over unless I let it set for 15 minutes or so.

any ideas?

Re: 89 johnson wont turn over after running for a while.

I'm no expert, but this is what just happened to my boat basically. The motor would overheat after running for awhile and would not start the next time I cranked until it cooled off. Basically, the engine was locking up (pistons locking in cylinder) due to the oil not mixing into the gas enough. The only difference is I could run the motor for much longer than what you mentioned until troubles happened.

I wouldn't try running it again just to be sure. Last thing you want is to damage the engine until you know the reasons why it's not turning over after it's been running (mine damaged the bottom cylinder wall), especially if you cause damage that could costs thousands of dollars to fix. Wait until someone with more experience comes along and gives you a better idea of the problem.

Re: 89 johnson wont turn over after running for a while.

Would be helpful to know just what hp this engine is. (the cooling systems vary by model)

Re: 89 johnson wont turn over after running for a while.

sorry, its a 90 horse, it was even worse today, It turned over the 1st attempt but died, then it wouldnt even turn over at all, I trolled out a ways and took the motor cover off and tapped on the solenoid, and made sure there were no loose connections, after that it fired back up, maybe the solenoid it going out?

its kinda hard trouble shooting when your in the lake, and by the time I get it loaded you can bump the starer and it works every time, or withing a few minutes.

Re: 89 johnson wont turn over after running for a while.

It is possible that the solenoid is bad. Wiht age and use, the contacts inside the solenoid get burned. Once this happens, the contacts don't transfer current well and it may appear that you have starter problems. It might be an intermittent problem. You can test the starter by jumping it with a set of automotive jumper cables to a well-charged battery. If the starter cranks normally when jumped, I'd replace the solenoid.

Re: 89 johnson wont turn over after running for a while.

Fixed! changed out the solenoid tonight and took it to the lake, fired up every time.

Thanks for the help.