2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

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OneLuv1979

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Took my boat out this weekend and it has not been out in 3 months or so ...
It was not running smooth , idled rough but when you gave it gas it seemed to pick up and run fine except i could hear a ticking sound coming from the starter cover .....

2003 Johnson 115hp J115plsts

My question is would a bad bendix or bendix spring cause a ticking noise ?
The faster i go the faster the tick type sound is and im 100% sure its coming from the starter area, im truly lost on what to do ....

I wanted to drop the starter but my motor has all types of covers on it and im sure i would get lost .....
How hard is it to remove the flywheel cover and timing arms ?

HERE IS A PICTURE WHERE THE SOUND IS COMING FROM JUST UNDER THE PLASTIC COVER IM POINTING AT ....
ANY IDEAS ? The other pics are the top of my motor ...

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motor4.jpg

motor2.jpg

motor1.jpg

motor3.jpg
 
O

OneLuv1979

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

Also if the bendix spring was not holding it down could it be the reason for the rough idle ?
Or shoud i have the carbs cleaned ?
 
B

boobie

Supreme Mariner
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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

Possible something wrong in the starter bendix area where it's hitting the flywheel but you won't know until you take it apart.
 
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Haffiman

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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

On that engine the bendix shaft is offset from the starter shaft. You will have to remove the plastic covers on top to inspect. Do not use WD 40 or any spray as it might increase the risk of the bendix slipping ans just start spinning on the shaft.
 
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OneLuv1979

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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

OK can i just drop the starter and check it ? Now im a bit confused cause the guy above said its a offset shaft ...

I was hoping to just drop the starter and lube the bendix and see if that works , what would you guys susggest ?
 
R

retiredfornow

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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

If it sat for 3 months, you might have some kind of critter nest in there, and the flywheel is hitting a stick or something in that nest. Pull the cover and give it a look-see.
 
O

OneLuv1979

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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

Can anyone confirm that the bendix is not attched to the starter , and how would i go about fixing this ?
Should i buy a bendix and replace it or just lubricate it ?
 
O

OneLuv1979

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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

So exactly how does this work ?
There is small cog on the starter that engages the seperate bendix ?

So if i was to drop the starter the actual bendix would not be attached or reachable?

What would you suggest i do ? I would like to replace the bendix as im pretty damn sure its the bendix as the sound is coming from the starter where it meets the flywheel area , and i think it had a bendix issue when i 1st bought the boat used ... I remember the mechanic saying to me "you did not hear the bendix making noise ... He told me he replaced it with a used bendix for free but i would bet he just lubricated it ...

This time i want to do it myself ....
 
H

Haffiman

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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

It is simply geared down.
The smaller wheel on the starter attached with a circlip is constantly engaged with the bigger on. The bendix and shaft is just 'loose' in the bigger wheel. Suggest you remove the plastic covers to get a closer look. The mostly known problem with the system on these engines is that the bendix itself starts spinning on the shaft without engaging. In those cases the complete shaft and bendix ha to e replaced. Another 'problem' is that the shaft is not properly lubricated with grease and gets 'noisy'.
 
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OneLuv1979

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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

Thanks .... You know what sometimes i turn the key and it sounds like it just spins and does not engage .... Exactly like what you saying ...

OK i will start on the cover , how hard is it to remove the cover and the timing arms , since the cover is all one piece over the flywheel .. You are talking about the top cover ?
Also does the cover require a gasket ?

I truly appreciate you taking the time to help me .... Thanks
 
H

Haffiman

Commander
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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

No gaskets, but be careful with the philips screws, it is all plastic!!
 
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boobie

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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

I would strongly suggest an OEM Factory Service Manual. If you're going to do a lot of work on this mtr there's loads of info in them.
 
O

OneLuv1979

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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

Question ? Will i have to take off the flywheel to replace the bendix and shaft ?
 
O

OneLuv1979

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Re: 2003 Johnson 115hp ( Sound Coming From Starter Cover)

LoL , I hope you dont take it like me being a pest ....
I truly appreciate the help and just wanted to make sure i was on the same page ...

Thanks alot ,i think im going to order it and just replace it while i have it apart .... Im pretty sure this is what the issue is and the fact you said that it would spin if lubricated .... It spins about 40% of the time ....
 
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