Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

[westonjeff]

Bought used boat/motor/trailer combo and after cleaning plugs, checking battery, change lower unit grease, etc. I got it started in my driveway in a few minutes, prop spun, etc. and all looked fine.<br /><br />However, after putting in water a few hours later, boat started, idled, but when shifting into gear, died.<br /><br />When trying to restart (please forgive my possible lack of correct part names, etc.), the starter gear (one that shoots up to engage the flywheel) would pop up for a very short time, then go back down, seemingly not giving the motor enough time to fire.<br /><br />I planned on taking it into the shop for a tuneup, etc. but thought someone on this great-looking forum could give me some advice.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[fireman57]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

Welcome to iboats. Sounds like you may want to spray a little light lubricant on the starter shaft. If it is kicking back out then you may need to have it rebuilt.

 

[westonjeff]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

Thanks for the quick reply, Fireman!<br /><br />I assume you mean something like WD-40?<br /><br /><br />

Originally posted by fireman57:<br /> Welcome to iboats. Sounds like you may want to spray a little light lubricant on the starter shaft. If it is kicking back out then you may need to have it rebuilt.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

While that is really not a lubricant it will work for this application. Don't soak it though. Just a light coating.

 

[westonjeff]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

What specific type of lubricant would you use?<br /><br />Thanks again!

 

[reeldutch]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

starters dont like wd40 only some grease on the shaft will be good.<br />the inside of a starter should be bone dry or your starter will fail shortly.<br />dont soak them like fireman said.

 

[westonjeff]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

Next dumb question . . . sorry guys, I'm a novice.<br /><br />Is there a way to get the starter shaft to come up to grease it, do I need to remove the bolts on top?

 

[Walker]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

I think what's actually happening by reading your post is the starter is engaging properly but your engine is trying to start. That is what is kicking your starter back out. A tune-up will probably cure your problem.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

Walker you are correct. I misread the post. Thought that the gear was only coming part way but that is not the case.

 

[westonjeff]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

I'm not following what you mean - "your engine is trying to start". Shouldn't the starter gear engage with the flywheel for more than a second or two to get the engine started?<br /><br />

Originally posted by Walker:<br /> I think what's actually happening by reading your post is the starter is engaging properly but your engine is trying to start. That is what is kicking your starter back out. A tune-up will probably cure your problem.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

Is the battery fully charged & all connections freshly cleaned?

 

[quadridermx]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

When the starter jumps up and engages the flywheel, it has resistance to keep the gear at the top.<br /><br />As soon as the motor fires and the flywheel spins faster than the gear, it allows the gear to slide back down so that the starter isn't running at the same RPM as your motor.<br /><br />Your engine is firing enough to disengage the starter, but not enough to start up.

 

[westonjeff]

Re: Johnson 88 Special Starting Problems

Thanks QuadRider -- I understand now.<br /><br />Will check and clean all connections I can find and get it in for a professional tuneup.<br /><br />I'm glad to have found this great forum -- thanks guys!!