70HP Johnson Prime Problem

[Mizee]

I just purchased a boat with a Johnson. When I crank it I have to manually pull the engine cover off and manually turn the prime lever to the 3 o'clock position on a cold start. Once cranked, I pull the throttle control back out of neutral to go in gear it goes dead. When I do this shouldn't the prime go to the 6 o'clock position facing the solenoid? When its facing the solenoid it runs and cranks fine. I've had it rebuilt and the carbuerator rebuilt. The fuel bulb stays firm and doesn't lose any pressure. Could it as well be bad gas? Any advice will be very welcomed. Thank you!

 

[lyncraft_mechanic]

Re: 70HP Johnson Prime Problem

I don't know if i totally understand your question but i willl try and answer it the best i can. the primer solenoid that you are refering to is used more or less if you battery goes dead and you need to rope start your engine. the 6 o'clock position on the solenoid is the automatic setting and the 3 o'clock position is manual mode. you can use the manual mode for cold starts but as soon as the engine starts you should return the position back to automatic to prevent the engine from flooding out. are you returning the solenoid to the 6 o'clock position before trying to shift into gear?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 70HP Johnson Prime Problem

the lever should be back over the body of the solenoid, for normal operation.

also check the wiring connection at the primer, just had one not working due to the joint was corroded, clean and the primer worked properly.

 

[Mizee]

Re: 70HP Johnson Prime Problem

Thanks very much for clarifying where the switch needs to be pointed.

 

[Mizee]

Re: 70HP Johnson Prime Problem

I checked the solenoid wires and none are corroded.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 70HP Johnson Prime Problem

with a volt meter see if you are getting 12 volts to the wires, have some one push in and the key and check. you also can disconnect the connection, and use a jumper wire of a hot lead, and see if the solenoid works. it will give you a clue as to which is bad. i have had, many ignition switches go bad, and i would just take the primer connections an install a momentary push button to operate the solenoid.