1986 Johnson 110 Starter replacement

[drazfam14]

The starter on my 1986 110 Johnson has occasionally failed to engage the fly wheel off and on for the last couple of years. While starting the motor this year two different fully charged batteries failed to engage the starter to the fly wheel. I used a battery charger with a jump mode and it worked. The local dealer said it was a bad starter. I purchased a replacement and I am trying to remove the old one. How much do I have to remove of the carbs to get the front bolt out? I searched this forum and couldn't find a similar post.
Thanks,

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1986 Johnson 110 Starter replacement

I don't recall ever having to remove anything to gain access to that front starter bolt, however, if something is in your way, remove what you need to, BUT.............

Before replacing the starter, With known good connections and a good fully charged battery, connect cables directly from the battery to the starter. The starter should turn over extremely fast. If it does but the bendix does not engage the flywheel teeth, the bendix is most likely jammed due to dirt because someone greased it or coated it with oil..... either substance collects dirt! If this is the case, clean it thoroughly with WD-40.

If the above works out for you........

Clean all cables related to the starting system, then clean them thoroughly along with the related surfaces they attach to (Battery terminals, solenoid terminals, starter terminal, and the ground cable at the powerhead). Tighten securely with wrenches or pliers, not your fingers if wing nuts are encountered.

If the starter turns slow regardless of what you try, and if it gets very hot in a very short period of cranking time, then you can assume that the starter is faulty and requires either repairing or replacing.

 

[drazfam14]

Re: 1986 Johnson 110 Starter replacement

Thank you for the quick response. I will give them a try.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1986 Johnson 110 Starter replacement

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

 

[drazfam14]

Re: 1986 Johnson 110 Starter replacement

Thanks,
BTW the VRO pump was the item that blocked the front bolt. Anyway replaced the starter (already had it shipped) and problem is still there. Took the old starter and used jumper cables to connect direct. Starter turned over but the gear did not pop up. I tried several other tests including the manuals current draw (should be less than .3 volts.) These all looked good. I will remove all connections tomorrow and reclean. Thanks for the posts.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1986 Johnson 110 Starter replacement

that vintage motor i have had better luck changing out battery cables, for new ones.

 

[drazfam14]

Re: 1986 Johnson 110 Starter replacement

Thanks for the heads up. Is there any other source of for the battery cables besides the local OMC dearler?