76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

S

stuckondryland

Cadet
Joined
Jun 30, 2005
Messages
8
This motor has always started easily in the past. However, when I turn the key, the bendix gear engages the fly wheel only for a second and then drops. Using a manual for this motor, I checked the voltage readings for the sylenoid and it seemed fine. Figuring it was the starter, I had the starter professionally rebuilt and inspected, but the same problem still occurs. <br /><br />I also inspected the flywheel to ensure that no teeth were missing.<br /><br />What would cause the bendix gear to only engage for only a second or two at a time??<br /><br />thanks
 
R

R.Johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
Messages
4,446
Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

Try the battery connection's, or a different battery.
 
S

sprouticus

Petty Officer 1st Class
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May 12, 2005
Messages
208
Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

I had this exact same problem with my wifes chevy corsica...........it did turn out to be the starter. I replaced the soleniod, but the starter arm assembly was the bigger problem.
 
W

Walker

Captain
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Jun 15, 2002
Messages
3,085
Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

The problem is probably your motor is popping once trying to start and that throws the bendix back down.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

Remove and clean the negative battery terminal at the engine block.<br /><br />V-4's are notorious for that.
 
B

buddyholly

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 11, 2004
Messages
77
Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

my motor does the same thing when trying to start sometimes. mine it turns out is the motor popping on one cylinder, it speeds the flywheel up and disengages the starter drive from the flywheel. check your spark plugs
 
S

stuckondryland

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Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

Thank you all for the replies. <br /><br />The first thing I did was gap and replace the spark plugs. I also failed to mention that I did have a fully charged battery and also swappped it with one of my trolling batteries. <br /><br />"Popping on one cylinder" caught my eye. During the day, I checked spark with my very cheap spark tool and only noticed one plug firing. However, it could have been too bright for the tool to reveal spark. I did it again this evening after dark. Each of the plugs appeared to be firing. However, in the evening I was getting complete turns on the fly wheel as well. However, it was late and I didn't want to fire up the motor so I didn't prime it. <br /><br />I'm curious as to whether I may have a fuel line problem or a power pack problem. Tomorrow I will mix some fresh gas and spray it directly into the intake and see if it fires up. I will also clean the negative ground on the block as suggested. If directly spraying fuel works, I'll replace the fuel line and squeeze bulb.<br /><br />Please review this post again, as I will post the results. <br /><br />Again, thanks for all your help and suggestions.
 
W

Walker

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Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

What is your step-by-step starting procedure?
 
S

stuckondryland

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Jun 30, 2005
Messages
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Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

My starting procedures are as follows:<br />1 Pump Bulb until hard<br />2 Move idle arm up<br />3 Flip Choke switch up<br />4 Turn key<br /><br />I've used this method for cold starts for the four years I've had this boat. It usually starts on the second attempt. Once it's started, I only have to move up the idle arm and a turn the key. <br /><br />I tried to start it again today. I pulled the cover off the carburators and injected fuel mix directly. I'm beginning to believe that it may be a spark issue. I'd get an occasional chug, but it never fired up. I could see that fuel was dripping out of the carbs. <br /> <br />I'm going to get the manual out and test the powerpack and coils. <br /><br />thanks
 
W

Walker

Captain
Joined
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Messages
3,085
Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

If you haven't already, put some fresh sparkplugs in her then try this.<br />Pump bulb up<br />Move idle arm up<br />Turn key and crank<br />If she doesn't start flip on choke while its cranking<br />At the first pop turn choke off.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

Did you clean the negative battery terminal on the block?<br /><br />I'm telling you, that will cause what you describe.<br /><br />Been there.
 
J

jchrans

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 10, 2005
Messages
44
Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

when I first had the problem that I thought was the selenoid, the bendix would jump up for only a second and then go down again. Turned out to be the throttle kill switch once I got the spark issue cleared (that problem was the woodruff key had sheared off).
 
S

stuckondryland

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Jun 30, 2005
Messages
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Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

Thanks all, <br /><br />DJ - I did clean the negative ground lead to the block with a wire brush and the base of the bolt on the block with sand paper. <br /><br />Walker - I'll try the starting procedure you suggested. <br /><br />OceanMist - I'll inspect the kill switch. When I first had this problem on the water, the first place I looked was the kill switch -- a visual inspection to ensure that the clip was still in place. I'll double check that. I'll also look look into that link you provided. <br /><br />Thanks for all your suggestions.
 
S

stuckondryland

Cadet
Joined
Jun 30, 2005
Messages
8
Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

Latest update.<br /><br />I tried the new starting procedure and had the same results. <br /><br />I pulled the new plugs I installed last week. After all that cranking, it appears that only the #3 cylinder is firing. The other three plugs appeared very clean with a bit of oily fuel on them. So, it appears that I'm firing on one cylinder...which explains why the bendix kicks down most of the time. <br /><br />I checked and ensured that my kill switch key was inserted and in good shape. <br /><br />thanks
 
S

stuckondryland

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Joined
Jun 30, 2005
Messages
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Re: 76 Johnson 115ETL6G bendix engages for only one second

Finally, the issue has been resolved. Using the manufacturers manual for my motor, I began trouble shooting. It was a little difficult, since I don't have the "neon tester" they recommend, but a I was able to use a volt/ohm meter to test inbound/outbound power and resistance to the power pack and coils. <br /><br />After noticing an inconsitant voltage coming from the power pack to each of the coils, I suspected that the power pack was bad. <br /><br />I replaced the power pack and all is well. The motor fired up on the second crank like it has for years. It was a wonderful sound to hear after weeks of chugs and sputters. <br /><br />Thanks to all who offered their advice. I appreciate your time and efforts. <br /><br />thanks...
 
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