Procedure on how to start a 1975 Johnson outboard motor

[Icemanana]

I have a Johnson 1975 70 hp and I'm trying to find out the correct procedure on how to start it I am having a very hard time doing it.
I pumped gas, put the leaver on the control up and turn the key and nothing. I also tried by turning the key and have the choke toggle up

 

[jbuote]

I have a 71 50hp which I'm getting going now. The starting procedure is pretty basic though..

​Pump fuel bulb in line from tank till firm.. (3-4 squeezes should do it I'd think)
​Put throttle in start position (if idle/start lever, put to start)
​turn on choke (toggle, or push key in to choke)
Crank engine.
Once tries to kick, release choke

​That's the basics of it..
​Others may be of more help, but in general, that's it.. Don't think I've missed anything,, lol

 

[jbuote]

If it isn't trying to start at all, just cranks, then I'd check to be sure I have spark. Should jump 7/16 (I believe) open air gap with crisp snap..
​Check if the safety lanyard kill switch is in place. If not, that could cause no spark, but engine would crank.
​I'd probably check compression too if all else seems ok...
​For what it's worth... lol

 

[Icemanana]

Thanks, I tried that the weird thing is that yesterday it fire following the above procedures... however I took it to the ramp today and guess what it would not start. The carburetor were just rebuild and the battery has good charge. I did pump the gas and the control has the start lever I just put it up and turn the key and don't even get a crank. I saw that back on the engine there is a switch that says auto choke, manual choke and off on which one should be set ? Thanks in advance for your help

 

[Icemanana]

At this point it's not cranking but it's weird because it stated yesterday by pumping gas, lever up and turning the key I am very puzzle...

 

[jbuote]

If you're using the toggle switch/key press for choke, it should be in "Auto".
​If it's not even cranking, are you sure it was in neutral?
​There's a neutral safety switch which won't let you crank if not in neutral.
​Try moving the throttle a bit to see if it's finicky perhaps?

​I'm a relative newbie myself, so again others may have better ideas, but that's what I can think of... lol!

 

[Icemanana]

Much appreciate all you input jbuote that would be a good idea I will try that tomorrow and yes you are correct it has to be on neutral I believe that from the control it's the issue I am having something there or the key switch.

 

[jbuote]

Yeah.. I replaced my key switch (wasn't in good shape) with a new push to choke key switch and took out the choke toggle on mine..
​I'd look it up in the manual, and follow the trouble shooting tips.. Pretty much just need a multi-meter to check things out up to the engine as far as wiring and continuity..

​Good luck with trying the throttle moving slightly tomorrow!

​I'm sure others will chime in too! We've reached about the top of "My" expertise as it were.. haha!
Going to follow along though.. I might learn something too!

 

[Icemanana]

Thanks.. I will post the outcome of tomorrow's try!!! Hopefully will be a positive one.. it's my first boat and so far I have not been able to enjoy....

 

[F_R]

If you are saying nothing happens when you turn the key, not even starter running, the first thing you want to check the battery cables. Don't just look at them, take them apart and clean everything shiny bright, and reassemble tightly.

 

[ondarvr]

So that we are all using the same terms, cranking is the motor turning over when you turn the key, starting is the next step. Sometimes people use the term cranking for starting.

 

[Icemanana]

Thanks for the clarification it's not cracking, and yes in he led the battery cables and battery charge. The weird part it's that it stated yesterday while I was testing it before I got on the water today and it started... I think that it's sad to say but I moghy not be following the procedure correctly on how to star the motor. I will start from scratch tomorrow and pump the gas pull the lever up make sure it's in neutral and then turn the key with the choke toggle up...

 

[Icemanana]

Good morning everyone, so once again I tried to crank the engine this morning and nothin I have 12.20 volts on the battery pump the gas till was tie, put the lever up and toggle the choke and turn the key and nothing... any other suggetions? I tried to upload the photos but it says it's too large thanks in advance

 

[racerone]

Checked the fuse ?

 

[Icemanana]

Yes racerone fuse it's ok,

 

[ondarvr]

12.20V is a low battery, have you had it tested?

 

[Icemanana]

No I have not, but o can try to charge it, the thing is that it started on Friday.. so you think that it might be an issue with the key switch?

 

[ondarvr]

I only said your battery is low, charge it. A battery can test good with no load, but fail completely once you turn the key. You can test the key switch for continuity.

 

[racerone]

Checked / replaced the wee wire from small terminal on the solenoid to ground ?

 

[Icemanana]

Hi,
An update, I checked the neutral switch and control box and everything was fine, battery was charged and followed the procedure
Pump fuel bulb in line from tank till firm.. (3-4 squeezes should do it I'd think)
​Put throttle in start position (if idle/start lever, put to start)
​turn on choke (toggle, or push key in to choke)
Crank engine.
Once tries to kick, release choke

And I get nothing very frustrated because on Friday it started ok.. I called the mechanic that and I am probably dropping the boat off on Friday. Its not rocket science to start an old 2 stroke boats, but this one its having me to go crazy. I also came to find out that not a lot of shops work this type of engines (sad since they are so reliable I am in Tampa FL) I guess they like to put the computer reader and let them know what's wrong with the motor instead of troubleshoot.

-I called the mechanic that just rebuild the carbs and he said to take on Friday but he said "That is why I don't really like to work on old motors" what a statement, I would feel bless with knowledge like his.