2000 Johnson 40 hp Won’t start

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
37,818
Put 6-1/2 drops of straight gas in the plug holes.-----Put plugs in.----Crank motor over.----Report what happens.
 

Markiemrk

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 18, 2023
Messages
33
Read all these posts. This sounds like a no or low spark condition.


Update , I picked up a spark plug ignition check tool as suggested . I had a hard time connecting it because the pin was thinner than the connector in the spark plug boot and had a hard time finding an unpainted area to make a good ground . I was by myself so getting a good connection and turning the center counsel key was difficult.
I tried squirting a small amount of the fuel mix in each chamber and still nothing .

I noticed the battery seemed weak so hooked up to the charger . The battery was not taking a charge so I did a reconditioning mode on it . Once finished I charged it and it took the charge.

Today

I had assistance and i tried a different tester with the glass chamber and light on it . I was getting an orange light On both chambers but this tester pin was too wide so I’m not so sure I was getting a great connection either . I decided to try the other tester with the gap since I had help turning the key and I could make a better connection . Upon cranking I wiggled the wire and got good spark across the gap
Tried again and this time the motor kicked over. I put the boot back on the plug and tried the other line with the tester . Once I got spark across the gap It turned over again. I reconnected that boot as well. Turned the key again and it fired and ran for a few seconds. I currently don’t have ear muffs to connect water to engine so I left well enough alone for now , next thought is to try and run in the water .

Could the weak starter battery have been the culprit ?
 

Markiemrk

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 18, 2023
Messages
33
Update , I picked up a spark plug ignition check tool as suggested . I had a hard time connecting it because the pin was thinner than the connector in the spark plug boot and had a hard time finding an unpainted area to make a good ground . I was by myself so getting a good connection and turning the center counsel key was difficult.
I tried squirting a small amount of the fuel mix in each chamber and still nothing .

I noticed the battery seemed weak so hooked up to the charger . The battery was not taking a charge so I did a reconditioning mode on it . Once finished I charged it and it took the charge.

Today

I had assistance and i tried a different tester with the glass chamber and light on it . I was getting an orange light On both chambers but this tester pin was too wide so I’m not so sure I was getting a great connection either . I decided to try the other tester with the gap since I had help turning the key and I could make a better connection . Upon cranking I wiggled the wire and got good spark across the gap
Tried again and this time the motor kicked over. I put the boot back on the plug and tried the other line with the tester . Once I got spark across the gap It turned over again. I reconnected that boot as well. Turned the key again and it fired and ran for a few seconds. I currently don’t have ear muffs to connect water to engine so I left well enough alone for now , next thought is to try and run in the water .

Could the weak starter battery have been the culprit ?
What would be the optimal or recommended battery for that engine? Brand, cranking amps, and size?

Thanks everyone for the the input and advice. I’ll keep you apprised once I’m back on the water .
 

saltchuckmatt

Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2019
Messages
2,640
What would be the optimal or recommended battery for that engine? Brand, cranking amps, and size?

Thanks everyone for the the input and advice. I’ll keep you apprised once I’m back on the water .
I use a group 27 deep cycle battery.....in fact I have two (as it should be).
 
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