starting issues

Joined
Oct 21, 2011
Messages
7
good afternoon. I recently bought a 1969 johnson outboard motor 40 HP and the guy i bought it from showed me pictures that proved he had the motor running a year before purchase when i got the motor home i changed the spark plugs and placed fresh gas and oil mixed to the right ratio in the tank. when i go to start the motor nothing happens. I put a wire tester going from the ignition switch to the motor and it shows a current going to the motor and to the solinoid but still nothing happens. I even tried placing jumper cables on the starter and it acts like it wants to start but will not turn over. I then cleaned the carb out and made sure it was getting fuel and also checked to make sure it was getting spark. both were positive tests. I would just like more info if anyone has any. The model number is 40ESL69R thank you
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,802
Re: starting issues

Maybe he "photoshopped" those photos? Seriously, take a compression test. Make sure you have 90+PSI on each cylinder and good spark on them as well. See if the maxrules web site has a wiring diaghram.
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: starting issues

I am a little confused by your post.

You state that it wants to start but it will not turn over?? Is it in fact turning over or is it just dead?

If it is sparking, it is pumping fuel to the carb, and compression is good, there is something wrong with the starting circuit or technique.

Is this on a boat, or in a test barrel? Are you using a key switch, or manual?
 
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