johnson 70hp need help

[tcfishing27]

I have a johnson 70hp 1996 motor, sunday the motor ran well.. took it out tonight and couldn't start it.. it would turn but it wouldn't start or kick over..just kept cranking. needless to say i drove 45 minutes to my favorite fishing hole and had to turn around and leave after 45 minutes of no luck. it is my first boat and 1st year with it..any ideas on why it won't start, or what i should check?

 

[JB]

Re: johnson 70hp need help

Ahoy, TCFishing. When that happens one of two things is usually the cause: No fuel or no spark.<br /><br />Remove and inspect your spark plugs. Dry? Probably a fuel problem. Wet? probably a spark problem.<br /><br />Fuel problem? Verify this by spraying WD-40 into your carbs while turning her over. If she starts then dies check your fuel tank, lines, primer bulb, filter and fuel pump. You may be plugged up somewhere, have water in the lines, have a failed fuel pump.<br /><br />Spark problem? Verify this by holding each plug wire about 1/2" from the block while turning her over. Each wire should be able to make a 1/2" arc. No spark? Check your powerpac and trigger mechanism for loose wire. No luck there? Get a manual and troubleshoot the ignition system or get an OMC wrench to do it.<br /><br />Good luck and let us know what happens.<br /><br />Red sky at night... <br />JB

 

[Cwr]

Re: johnson 70hp need help

Make sure you check your lanyard switch, my grandfathers first boat we had to be towed in one night from fishing in the gulf when I noticed something swinging just below the controls. I hooked it back up and it cranked like a champ.

 

[Rex]

Re: johnson 70hp need help

Always check the engine first just as<br />"Red sky at night" said follow that and you<br />well <br />find it.<br />Good Luck Rex

 

[tcfishing27]

Re: johnson 70hp need help

i checked and it seems to be a spark problem.. what all should i check for no spark? i'm new to this so please be specific if possible.. i am really bummed..

 

[Rex]

Re: johnson 70hp need help

I would check the pick-up but it would be easy to change your black box just to see<br />if you get spark.<br />Rex <br />GOOD LUCK<br />P.S. I f you know somebody with the same one<br />just put it in to check it.Maybe the dealer<br />would but!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tcfishing27]

Re: johnson 70hp need help

what and where is the pick up?

 

[tcfishing27]

Re: johnson 70hp need help

also where is the trigger mechanism? i hate to sound like i'm ignorant but i know very little about outboards and i would hate to have to take it in to a wrench..

 

[JB]

Re: johnson 70hp need help

Hi, TCFishing. A Clymer Shop Manual is a lot cheaper than a powerpak. Get the manual and follow their procedure to check out the ignition system. You can save yourself the price of a very good dinner out. . . for the family.<br /><br />But, first. Take Cory's advice and check that your key switch and any safety disconnect are working properly.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB