1975 Johnson 115 starter motor

[gilera]

I just bought the above engine. The previous owner said it had no spark. I hooked it up to a battery and found the starter would barely turn the motor over. I isolated the cause to the starter motor and pulled the starter apart. One of the magnets was broken. These starters seem to be very expensive over here in Australia. It looks just like an automotive one but guess the mounting holes are unique to these engines. Does anyone know of another option or do I need to just splash out for a Sierra replacement or similar? Rest of the inside looks good - brushes, armature etc.

 

[racerone]

Do an ohm check on armature.-----Should read infinity from commutator to shaft.----Looks like it was git with a hammer because it did not work.----Used starters are plentiful in my area.

 

[Crosbyman]

mean time... while you search for parts, maybe a good epoxy glue could hold it together ?

 

[Chris1956]

New OB Starters are often available from aftermarket sources like Sierra. They are about US$150, here in the states.

 

[gilera]

Thanks. The only reasonably priced ones I can find here are Chinese (no brand) ones from ebay for about $160. The Sierra one new here is $475AUD ($335USD) which is more than I paid for the whole motor. They are heavy so shipping one directly from the US adds a fair bit.

Even wreckers sting us over here. Just tracked one down for $150. When I told him I could get a Chinese one new for $160 he said good luck you'll be lucky to get 1 year out of it.

Sierra one:

Sierra Outboard Starter - Johnson/Evinrude, Fits - 140 HP models (1977)

Sierra Outboard Starter - Johnson/Evinrude, Fits - 140 HP models (1977) (S18-5634). Buy Sierra Outboard Starter - Johnson/Evinrude, Fits - 140 HP models (1977) & other boat accessories online from The Boat Warehouse.

www.theboatwarehouse.com.au

 

[dwco5051]

I wonder why the high price. Here in US the Chinese ones go for about 65 and the Sierra around 100 dollars.

 

[gilera]

Beats me but someone is getting a pretty big markup. Here's another link with similar price. I have submitted an enquiry to iboats shop for shipping to Australia. I can't seem to calculate it online. If shipping is reasonable i'll probably get a Sierra one sent over from the US.

MarineDirect

Marine Direct Australia. Leading marine spare parts supplier covering engines, chandlery, electronics and gearboxes.

www.marinedirect.com.au

 

[oldboat1]

Might try ARCO in Florida for some comparison shopping. Determine what parts are needed -- ARCO is a rebuilder, but probably would ship needed parts so you could do the rebuild, saving shipping costs.

 

[racerone]

Those magnets only break if it is dropped on the floor or hit with a hammer.----Do an ohm check on your armature.----If good there , must be a local shop with good magnets in your area.

 

[gilera]

Who knows what the previous owner did - possibly one or both! I do get your point that if it was hit by a hammer then something must have prompted them to do it. Both the + and - battery terminals had ring terminals that were just flopping around when I got it so that might have contributed to a starter motor that didn't work properly. I can't proceed to troubleshoot the no spark issue without the starter turning the engine over at the min revs required for the CDI to work.

I forgot to say that I did test the armature - there is no continuity from the copper bars to the shaft. Also the resistance across the copper bar pairs is fairly consistent as I go around at a about 1 ohm. You mean I should try to find a shop that rebuilds starter motors and get them to glue a new magnet in? I'll call a couple of auto-electricians and see what they've got to say.

 

[racerone]

??----You can test the spark pulling it over with a rope !----That motor can be started with the battery completely dead.

 

[gilera]

Old school.. I might try. I have it on a rack that is not terribly stable but might be able to secure it enough....

I just came across an entire 1981 Evinrude 90hp (EL90TCIM) with a seized powerhead which I can get for $200. Not many compatible parts with mine unfortunately but I believe the starter motor is. Has a SS prop on it too and apparently working TnT. I had entertained ideas of trying to adapt a new style TnT down the track if my motor turns out ok. Bit of a job I know.

 

[oldboat1]

sister motor is a good move (donor motor) given aus starter replacement cost. Usually more usable parts as well (worth it for the t.and t. by itself, if it's a fit.

 

[racerone]

On a salt water motor it could be a challenge.-----May have to change out the entire swivel bracket to put the 1980 T&T on a 1975 model.-----Look this over / measure carefully.

 

[gilera]

I believe that it does require some modification. Top and bottom bushes and some clearance cut from bottom of cowling I am told and maybe a couple of other small things. A bit of hassle but it looks like the old Calco trim and tilt is pretty shot on this motor so maybe less hassle than sorting this one out. The newer style is so much more compact that this old setup and I thinks seal kits are still available.