1988 Johnson 15hp - not starting

[O26A]

Ok, So it started last year when i would push the starter ignition button and nothing would happen but it would pull start. than i stored it for the winter. when i pulled it out this year, i had the same problem so i cleaned the starter and it still wouldn't fire. so i bought a new battery and that seemed to work.

Than the other day i started it and it ran perfectly. I turned it off when to start again and nothing. My electric start is doing nothing, it's like it's dead. i tried to pull start it and nothing. (usually 3 pulls max to get it started). it's almost like the kill switch cord is pulled out or it's in gear, but it's not. The power pack is 2 years old, same with the spark plugs and wires. i know my carb is clean, gas is good but it seems to be an electrical issue.

Any ideas what could be the issue?

- Rick

 

[jasper60103]

Ok, So it started last year when i would push the starter ignition button and nothing would happen but it would pull start. than i stored it for the winter. when i pulled it out this year, i had the same problem so i cleaned the starter and it still wouldn't fire. so i bought a new battery and that seemed to work.

Than the other day i started it and it ran perfectly. I turned it off when to start again and nothing. My electric start is doing nothing, it's like it's dead. i tried to pull start it and nothing. (usually 3 pulls max to get it started). it's almost like the kill switch cord is pulled out or it's in gear, but it's not. The power pack is 2 years old, same with the spark plugs and wires. i know my carb is clean, gas is good but it seems to be an electrical issue.

Any ideas what could be the issue?

- Rick

Sounds like its not getting spark.
Temporarily disconnect one the wires to the kill switch and
check for spark. Use the rope starter.

 

[O26A]

would it be a spark plug problem if my electric start isn't even engaging? I push the start button and nothing is happening no noise or anything

- Rick

 

[O26A]

Ok so spark plugs are good i just checked them. Im out of ideas. Anyone else have any suggestions.

 

[jasper60103]

Ok so spark plugs are good i just checked them. Im out of ideas. Anyone else have any suggestions.

Checking the spark plugs is not the same as testing spark. You check for spark at the plug wires.
Pickup a spark tester at your local auto parts store.

 

[jasper60103]

would it be a spark plug problem if my electric start isn't even engaging? I push the start button and nothing is happening no noise or anything

- Rick

No. I suggested you check for spark because it wouldn't start with the rope starter.

I will bow out now and let others help you. Good luck.

 

[shawnfish]

bad solenoid???

 

[crazymanme2]

If you pull it by the rope start see if you have spark & go from there.
Solenoid will make the starter not work but has nothing to do with spark other than to turn the motor over.

 

[Johny25]

First things first.......if you push your electric start button and get nothing then check to make sure you have power to the starter. I understand that it will not pull start now either which could be no spark as others stated. I usually put my hand on the plug and roll her over..... if I twitch like a crappie on the floor of my boat I know I got spark :mrgreen: (I'm kidding do not do this.......intentionally)

 

[Charger25]

First things first.......if you push your electric start button and get nothing then check to make sure you have power to the starter. I understand that it will not pull start now either which could be no spark as others stated. I usually put my hand on the plug and roll her over..... if I twitch like a crappie on the floor of my boat I know I got spark :mrgreen: (I'm kidding do not do this.......intentionally)

:LOL2: :LOL2: you'll only grab that plug wire ONCE..... [-X

 

[dkonrai]

its a two stroke,
compression (my guess is should be around 120 or better)
spark
fuel
thats about it. it will run not well, but it will run if you have all three. dont mess with the idle screw as it was running prior. if you have comp and full spark, then its fuel or carb related. to check the fuel, place the tank above the motor so gravity will fill the carb. if it runs and dies chances are its the fuel pump. replace the fuel lines (i use the yellow clear lines from the lawn mower shop) i use the ties from the dealer as they are easy and made for fuel lines. if its the fp, try replacing the diahpram sometimes this works.
next up would be the carb. might have crud in the high speed jet not allowing enough fuel into the motor. if its the carb, screw the idle screw in until it just seats count the turns as a reference. write it down somewhere usuallly its 1 1/2 turns in or so.
then pull the carb and give it a good cleaning.
check leeroysramblings for some help, and boatsinfo for your service manual.
hope this helps
dino

 

[Johny25]

120 lbs of compression would be an awesome number to see on this type of motor and year. I have seen these motors run flawlessly at 90-95 lbs as long as both cylinders are close to the same. 100 lbs is usually the bench mark everyone looks for on this motor.

 

[O26A]

Well I found my issue, it was a wire coming from the throttle handle that was worn away and was making contact with the motor casing.