1984 70HP Johnson - Won't stay running

[Capt-George]

A friend's outboard died this past weekend. Engine would start and rev up, but died almost immediately when swtich turned back to run position. Where do we look first? New switch? Etc?

 

[jtexas]

Re: 1984 70HP Johnson - Won't stay running

You mean, you held the key in the "run" position and it didn't die? If the switch were shorting out it would die "immediately" vs. "almost immediately." I think.

You can rule out the kill circuit by disconnecting the black/yellow wire from the powerpack and try again...if it works you'll have to stop it by flooding it with the primer. Test the switch by checking for continuity between the two "M" terminals (black and black/yellow), should be open unless the key is "off".

But first try pushing the key in to prime and holding it there after it starts, see if it keeps running...

I'm thinking, carb-rebuild time.

 

[Capt-George]

Re: 1984 70HP Johnson - Won't stay running

Thanks, Jtexas.

He found the problem - a defective switch circuit. Apparently, one of the connectors was not making good contact.