63 Johnson ignition issues

[DanLieffring]

When I try to start my Johnson, I'll turn the key and get 1/2 of an engine turn and it will stop. After repeating this several times, it will finally continually turn over. Sometimes when trying to start, I'll get an alarm type buzz that comes from the back of the boat. I just got a new cranking battery, so I know it's not a battery issue. After the boat is started a few times, it seems to work better (although not perfect).

There is a junction type box mounted in the back of the boat (I think that is where the alarm comes from). Battery cables go in one side, and the other side the wires go to the engine. What is this? I'm guessing either that is what is causing this, or it's the starter on the engine. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 63 Johnson ignition issues

Dan, That junction box contains the starter solenoid, some fuses and a voltage regulator, if you have a generator.

It sounds like you may have a dead spot on the starter. You might disassemble the starter and clean up the communator and hope for the best.

 

[DanLieffring]

Re: 63 Johnson ignition issues

I'll look at the starter. I know it's been rebuilt in the past.

If it is something in the junction box, can I replace that very easily? I don't have a generator on the motor, and I'm guessing the contents of the box are original. What should I look for if I need to replace it?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 63 Johnson ignition issues

basically all that is in the box are connections, and the starter solenoid, if you replace the solenoid, use an outboard solenoid, not an car solenoid.

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

 

[dcarmack]

Re: 63 Johnson ignition issues

I have this same type issue with my boat I am rebuilding. What I would like to do is replace this starter/regulator component with new. Looking around on iboats, I dont see regulators going back to 63. At seloc they have newer models but I cant figure out which one I should get, none of them look like they have the correct plugs on them for me. My motor is a V4AL-15E, 1963, 75HP.