'75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

[ohyeah829]

Hello. I've posted on here before and got some really good help. So, here I am again, with another problem:<br /><br />I've got a '75 Johnson 115hp engine. Been running real good, except from time to time it won't start. When I turn the key over, I hear a clicking noice, but the engine doesn't turn over. However when the engine does turn over, it will start.<br /><br />I believe it is the...."starter"...I guess it would be called?? The part that actually pops up and turns the fly wheel....sorry, I haven't learned the engine yet...but I'm getting there. <br /><br />Anyway, if anyone knows of any ideas that may be my problem, I would appreciate any feedback...also the name of the part I am refering to...Thanks!

 

[ohyeah829]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

And, if there is any type of reference page that I can find on the net that I could use to locate parts/names, that would be helpful. Thanks again!

 

[OBJ]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

The clicking your hearing is the starter solenoid kicking up.<br /><br />Now if the starter isn't turning when the solenoid kicks in, check the following....<br /><br />Start at the battery....make sure it's got a full charge.<br /><br />Make sure the battery post's are clean as well as the battery cable terminials. If you are using wingnuts to hold the cables to the terminals, us a pair of pliers to tighten them.<br /><br />Check the cable connections on the starter solenoid. Make sure these connections are clean and tight.<br /><br />If the starter still won't turn over when the solenoid "clicks", take a screw driver and jump the large posts' on the solenoid. If the starter starts going, most likely the solenoid needs replaced.<br /><br />If you jump the large posts' and the starter just barely goes, it possible the brushes in the starter will need replaced and the commutator cleaned.<br /><br />BUT!!!!.....let's hope for the best and you got dirty connections.......

 

[Silvertip]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

A service manual for your engine would be the best help you can get -- both from an education standpoint as well as helping you with troubleshooting and repairs. As for the click/no start problem, the first thing you need to do is make sure you have a good battery. Just charging it is not a guarantee that its good. Load testing will determine that. Next, disconnect and clean both ends of each battery cable. Check for corrosion at each end of the cable where it goes into the terminal. Replace the cable end or the entire cable if they are bad. Corrosion prevents current from getting to where its needed (in your case the starter). Once the cables are known to be good see if the problem is fixed. If not the solenoid is the next suspect. Take a jumper cable with you on your next outing. If the engine acts up, connect one end of the jumper directly to the POSITIVE terminal on the battery. Touch the other end directly to the large post on the starter (if you can reach it). If not, touch it to the large post on the starter solenoid that has the cable going to the starter. If it now starts, replace the solenoid. If it still doesn't start, break out the oars and have the starter rebuilt when you reach shore. Any auto/electric shop (starter/alternator/generator repair shop) can do this for you.

 

[ohyeah829]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

The terminals are clean and brand new battery. Like I said, it does it sparatically...If it is the starter, how difficult will this be? Taking the starter off....

 

[vano6990]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

I had the exact same problem on my 1977 115 evinrude. Eventually left me stranded for aprox 3 hours till I could get it to engage. I bet it is your Solenoid. The earlier replys come from experts who know their game. I was sure it was the starter at first, but the fact it clicks means the starter is getting power. Maybe not enough. The solenoid converts the 12v to what ever voltage is needed to get it to operate/jump and turn the flywheel. Jump the solenoid as explained above. Dont use thin wire and hold it too long. The wire will get hot.

 

[ohyeah829]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

How much does it cost to replace and where can I get a new solenoid? Also, can I replace it myself? And, what type of knowledge do I need to replace it? Thanks for your help!

 

[OBJ]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

From a John/Rude dealer, the solenoid will cost around $36. You can get the aftermarkets for less. <br /><br />Changing the solenoid is not hard. Just remember to disconnect the battery cables before you do. The solenoid sets just to the rear of the starter on the port side of the engine. Common tools will do the job.

 

[vano6990]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

Mine I think was between $20-$40. <br />Need your model #. If your model # 115ESL75E 1975 the BRP PRT # is 0383622. It is just removing some bolts/wires and reconnecting them. Do you have a repair manual?

 

[ob]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

If you're asking how hard it is to change the starter or solenoid ,I can't help but wonder whether you have closely inspected the cable connections to and from solenoid and the engine ground lugs.Starter and solenoid changeouts are a snap.Hate to see anyone replacing parts for no reason.Loose or corroded cables is quite common on outboard starter issues.

 

[ohyeah829]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

ob, will check connections more closely tomorrow. But on first inspection, all connections were good.<br /><br />Everyone else, I appreciate your help. Will try the above tomorrow and follow up. Also, I'll order that repair manual. It seems to be a must have item...Thanks!

 

[vano6990]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

And, if there is any type of reference page that I can find on the net that I could use to locate parts/names,

BRP Parts Catalog. Use yahoo and search. Click #4 choice and choose johnson/year/model

 

[ohyeah829]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

replaced the solenoid...seems to be running fine...will test on the water this evening. <br /><br />Also, Is the Clymer refernce book generally the same as the Seloc repair manual? I have a Clymer...but was looking for something more specific to my engine, not just an "in general". The dealer only had Clymer...If the Solec is better, I could purchase it off of this website...Thanks again for your help!!

 

[vano6990]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

Glad to hear its up and running. I would suggest the Evinrude Service Manual. The manual would be about your motor = marineengine.xxx

 

[ohyeah829]

Re: '75 Johnson 115hp...starting problems

Thanks for the headsup, Flathead Hunter. Ran it this evening @ the lake...good as new....Thanks again!!