Hot wire an old Johnson?

[JerzyDog]

I don't want to spend the money on a new ignition until I'm convinced the motor runs and has decent compression. (no key) anyone know how to hot wire an old 115 Johnson (1980)?

 

[Scott Danforth]

simple, unplug controls and spin motor. the key is to kill the motor

 

[F_R]

They will actually run with nothing at all connected, but don't do it as that will blow the rectifier. It is ok to unplug the red plug and jump start it, if you have the two main battery cables connected to a battery.

You have no way to turn it off if doing that.

 

[oldboat1]

A replacement key should be available at an OMC/BRP dealer -- might want to check.

 

[JerzyDog]

thanks for the replies. I actually found an old briggs and stratten key that fit. problem solved :joyous:

 

[interalian]

I can turn my ignition switch with a beer can tab. But I still use the actual key.

High security.

 

[jimmbo]

In the 70s, some kids at the lake discovered they could start and run the V4 Hydro-Electric motors without the key. Would just rope start it and it would run, stuck in forward the whole time, no neutral or reverse.