How to Get a 60Hp Johnson Motor to Start
When you can't get your 60-horsepower Johnson outboard motor to start, there are a few things you can do before you call the dealer. They apply whether you're just bringing the motor out of winter storage or you're going out for the second time in a day. These are the first things the mechanic will look at if you take your motor to the shop, so save yourself a few dollars before you seek expensive, outside assistance.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Check the battery selector switch, to ensure it's not in the neutral position. Switch it to the "1" or "2" position to engage either the starting or deep-cycle battery.
(See reference 1)
-
2
If the motor won't turn over, ensure that the battery leads are connected, and connected to the correct battery posts. The posts on a marine battery are of different sizes; the nut on the negative post requires a 5/16-inch wrench and the positive nut requires a 3/8-inch wrench. The black cable goes on the 5/16-inch post. If the cables are correct, the battery either requires charging or replacement.
-
-
3
Make sure the gear selector is in neutral. Johnson outboards, whether they are started with a push button or a pull rope -- a recoil starter -- have a neutral safety switch that prevents the motor from cranking or starting unless the gear selector is fully in the "Neutral" position.
-
4
Visually inspect the fuel lines for leaks, kinks or other signs of obvious damage. If the engine will crank but not start, squeeze the primer bulb quickly several times to pump fuel to the carburetor manually. If the engine then starts, remove and inspect the fuel filters; if the filters are in good condition, replace the fuel pump.
-
5
Pour the fuel that's currently in your boat's fuel tank into your car and buy new fuel for your boat. Fuel will sour in a matter of weeks. After a month, sour fuel causes engine starting problems. A long break between uses during the boating season, if the fuel is left untreated, will lead to the same problems as untreated fuel during winter storage and fuel left in the tank, lines or carburetor will lead to serious -- and expensive -- repairs.
(See reference 1)
-
1
Tips & Warnings
It's a truism in many trades that "Eighty percent of the income comes from 20 percent of the customers." Add fuel stabilizer to your boat's gas tank each time before you go boating. One ounce for each gallon of fuel in the tank, added at the beginning of your trip, will circulate the stabilizer throughout your fuel system, protecting it from clogs, varnish deposits and rust.
(See reference 1 + Personal experience)
