Motor starting issue – Help

The last few years I’ve had a slight issue of once in awhile I’d turn the keep to start the outboard and nothing would happen. I would just need to wiggle the throttle handed a few time and try again and it would fire right up. On my first outing this year I had the same issue but seemed to be much worse. A few times it took me a fair # of try’s before the ignition switch would engage the motor started. I’m not sure where to start. I’m not even sure of what the power path is between the ignition switch and the starter on the motor. I’m hoping it was just a one off issue, but since its been a issue for awhile and seems to be getting worse I think I better start to figure it out. If it matters the boat is a 2002 Crestliner 1850 fishhawk and the motor is a 2002 Johnson 150. Not sure if the issue is most likely in the switch, the throttle lever, or the starter on the motor? Anyone else have a similar problem or any suggestions? Fear that at some point I’m going to end up stranded on the lake.

I had a similar issue with a ’98 Mariner (Merc.). It acted like you describe but after a few weeks it wouldn’t start after jiggling the throttle. A friend and I messed around with it for a couple hours before he figured out it was the safety kill switch that was bad.

Doing a little research it may be the Neutral Safety switch in the throttle control. Can’t seem to find any youtube video’s on how to replace or get to it

fishthumper wrote:

Doing a little research it may be the Neutral Safety switch in the throttle control. Can’t seem to find any youtube video’s on how to replace or get to it

That is exactly what I was thinking from your first post.

Most likely going to be the neutral saftey switch. Just youtube it even if it’s not your exact motor and controls it will give you the idea on where to start. It’s a pretty easy fix if you are mechanically inclined.