Starting Problems- 28 HP Johnson SPL

[dontknowsheeet]

Got a stumper for anyone that can help shed some light:


My roomate and I bought and old fishing boat w/ a 28 SPL Johnson outboard (not sure of the year - Late eighties I think). The motor was working pretty good, however we started having some starting problems recently. The engine when we first try to fire it up won't turn over. Just the starter clickin' as I turn the start key. Every once in awhile it might fire it up, but pretty much it is silent. We manually jumped it by hooking jumper cables up to the cranking unit. We tried hooking the jumper cable up directly to where the battery cables connect on the starter to see if there was any change - nothing.

Funny thing is, once it gets warmed up and we park it to do some fishing, it will fire right up....

Any thoughts. We were thinking it was the starter, but it makes no sense that it fires right up once it is warm. Seems it should be all or nothing?

 

[JB]

Re: Starting Problems- 28 HP Johnson SPL

That is almost certain to be one or more imperfect connections in the starter circuit.

Take all connections of battery cables off, clean them and reinstall. That is both ends of two big ones, from the battery to the engine, and one from the solenoid to the starter motor.

Let us know what you find.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starting Problems- 28 HP Johnson SPL

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

 

[HybridMX6]

Re: Starting Problems- 28 HP Johnson SPL

Could it also be the starter solenoid? I had a '78 35hp doing this on me, ended up being the solenoid, $25 part at the time. Replaced it, never had another problem. It would work when warm, but when it was cold or for the 1st start it would not.

 

[dontknowsheeet]

Re: Starting Problems- 28 HP Johnson SPL

Seems like all good advice.

Looks like I should start with the cables and connections and work up the circuit..
I'll let you know how it turns out.
Thanks

 

[dontknowsheeet]

Re: Starting Problems- 28 HP Johnson SPL

Me again...

Anybody know where I can find replacement parts. Specifically the wires from the various components. There are a few that are split open.
Does it matter (really matter) the gauge of the wire from the solenoid to the starting motor??

 

[JB]

Re: Starting Problems- 28 HP Johnson SPL

Yes, it matters a lot. Keep it the same size or larger

 

[HybridMX6]

Re: Starting Problems- 28 HP Johnson SPL

parts you can get from shop.evinrude.com , but the wiring I'd just make myself. Take an old wire off and label it so you know where it goes, do that for whatever wires you need, then take them to a marine store and get some new wire, connectors, and whatever tool you will need to press/crimp the connectors on the wire, unless you already have one. I'd make sure to get marine grade wire, don't just get it from a home improvement store, it won't be tinned and will quickly deteriorate when on the water.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starting Problems- 28 HP Johnson SPL

use a 1994 model harness http://shop2.evinrude.com/ext/index.aspx?s1=bf6ad09c53cead335fcfd8a6471c0f7f

engine internal harness $119.00 Part Number: 0584881
Description: CABLE AY,MOTOR