Johnson 48 SPL Ignition Switch Problem?

[AKTunnelRat]

I'm pretty new to outboards, so please bear with me. I have a Johnson 48HP SPL that runs great, but there seems to be something wrong with the ignition switch. Usually the first time or two that I try the key it acts like I don't have a battery hooked up and then on the 3rd or 4th turn it will catch and spin the starter. Last weekend I was out trolling and pulled up my kicker and went to start up the 48 horse and it wouldn't do anything when I turned the key. I tried getting it to start for about a minute before I took the cover off the outboard and checked the fuse, but it was ok. I then put the cover back on tried it a few more times and it finally started after trying the key another 10-15 times. Should I try changing out the ignition switch to start with or is there something else that I might be missing? Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Johnson 48 SPL Ignition Switch Problem?

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