Starter not engaging

[gatorlakedog]

Hi

2001, 50hp Johnson. My problem is the starter doesn't engage the fly wheel. The starter turns but doesn?t pop up. Is this a starter or solenoid?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starter not engaging

Usually the problem is that the starter drive pinion is not moving freely up the shaft to engage the flywheel. The shaft needs to be very clean and lubricated only with very light oil and very little of that. Sewing machine oil is the right grade.

Failing that, the voltage from a fully charged battery should turn the starter adequately, unless the battery is weak or the cables are shot, or the connections are corroded.

After cleaning up the starter shaft and pinion, try the starter again. If it still fails, feel the terminals of the cables, the cables and the wiring connections for heat, which will help to isolate the resistance that is causing the voltage drop.

 

[JB]

Re: Starter not engaging

Howdy GLD

Welcome to iboats.

Probably neither.

Could be stuck bendix on the starter shaft. Give it some light lube and work it up a few times by hand.

More likely is that the starter isn't getting enough current to engage the bendix. Remove, clean and replace all connections from the battery to the solenoid and to the engine block. Also inspect these big wires for swellings or weak spots.. .signs of corrosion.

Failing that, do the starter circuit troubleshooting in "Outboard won't start" in Engine FAQs.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starter not engaging

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

 

[gatorlakedog]

Re: Starter not engaging

Thanks guys I will try a little oil on it. The battery is is good and I also tried the start mode on the battery charger that didn't help. I will try cleaning all contacts and looking for bad wires.

 

[gatorlakedog]

Re: Starter not engaging

Update:

I noticed that cooling exhaust hose was cracked so I replaced it. I figured that this is what caused the starter too go bad.

Bought a new starter today and it started like a champ! I cleaned the battery terminals and wires and gave it some oil. Not sure that anything could help the old starter. I figured that this was the first problem that we have had with motor in 7 years and a new starter is not so bad.

Thanks for all of the help.