200HP 1998 Johnson Oceanrunner won't always start after cool down

[dwong]

Hey folks, looking for your thoughts on this problem with the ignition system that I've begun having intermittently with my 1998 Johnson 200HP Oceanrunner. The engine starts fine, runs great, but after a 20 min.+ cooldown, it sometimes doesn't want to start up again. The starter essentially spins and spins, and eventually kicks in but not after some cranking on the batts. Then when you think that's it, it seems to jump around to find ground and fire up and chug at me like nothing happened. Over July 4 week I ran through the electrical system(charged, checked batts/stator, changed, cleaned and re-sealed all connections)and the only thing that appears different in the system this season is a stereo I installed (nothing crazy). Could this be the culprit? or something as simple as a sticky bendix? or (yipes) bad starter, solenoid, rectifier/regulator and/or power pack? Any and all thoughts on appreciated...

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 200HP 1998 Johnson Oceanrunner won't always start after cool down

It must be bad music on the stereo!<br /><br />Seriously, are you saying the starter spins w/o engaging the ring gear on the flywheel? If so, is battery fully charged AND all connections both clean AND tight (+ AND -)?<br /><br />I would start by Spraying some WD40 or CRC on the starter top end (may be a sticking Bendix drive). Eliminate the solenoid by taking a heay jumper cable direct from the battery (+) to the big hot terminal on the starter. If it engages properly it's the solenoid, key switch or wiring.<br /><br />If you know the battery is good (measure voltage across battery ... you should get 12.68 v. This doesn't give a load test, but a pretty good idea of general battery condition. If starter fails with a known good source of DC, then it's rebuild or replace time.<br /><br />And stop playing that bad music!

 

[dwong]

Re: 200HP 1998 Johnson Oceanrunner won't always start after cool down

Yes, the starter spins without engaging. And both batts are fully charged at just below 13 and every connection was cleaned and resealed. Terminals were also wire brushed down and sealed up with battery CRC (clear stuff, they were out of Red). <br /><br />Thanks for the suggestion. I will try jumpering across to see if I can isolate the starter. I'm actually headed over tomorrow to try to eliminate the potentially sticky bendix. <br /><br />And trust me man, it ain't the musak! But coincidently, the boat's from NJ orginally so it could be (heh-heh)