1992 Johnson 150 will not turn over

[Merman]

Hello to all!! I am new to this forum and here I go..... I have just acquired an older 1992,Silver Star 150 Johnson, on a 1982 Baja 16 ss. Replaced the solenoid (a friend told me it was bad) It just clicks when you turn the key. Battery is good. Motor will turn over manually. Every thing looks clean. This is my first experience with Johnson motors and I'm trying to learn all I can. If some of y'all can tell me a few things to keep me out trouble, I would surely Thank You !!

[Solarman]

This could be a wiring issue, bad connection, missing/bad wire connection at battery, or possibly, a bad starter? A quick test if starter is good, jump battery positive side of solenoid to starter positive post. If starter turns motor over, starter is good. If not, starter may be bad. To be sure it is starter, test again using jumper cables, black to negative on battery, then to ground on starter, red to positive battery post, then touch positive post on starter. If good starter should turn motor over. If nothing, remove starter and take to electric motor repair shop, they may be able to repair? Or, you may need new starter?

If starter is good with either of these tests, get a wiring diagram for your motor, something isn't right?

Good luck.

[Merman]

Starter Problem Solved

Thank You Solarman for the starter info. The starter on my Johnson 150 was locked up and had a dead short. I have ordered a replacement. Hopefully that will be the fix. I do have another question though. What if anything can possibly short out a starter?

[Solarman]

Holding the starter in start position for over 8 - 15 seconds, causes too many amps to flow through the windings, they overheat and then start melting the thin insulation, and begin shorting. If motor doesn't start in 5 seconds, something is wrong. Basically, you should not hold any starter (autos, lawnmowers, generators, any starter) in start position for over 5 seconds, then let starter cool for 5 minutes, before trying again. And yes, it can also cause solenoids and wires going to and from starters to overheat.

Good luck.