GT 150 Starting problems

[sffilm1]

Hello, I have a Johnson 1986 GT 150 V6, it was starting fine, no troubles at all. I start it often just for good measure because I have yet to take it out since I got it a month ago. Well, yesterday it took about a minute of trying to start up, but then ran fine. Well today, it wont start up at all, and also I noticed that the starter doesn't drop back down every time after engaging into the upward position, and the flywheel just turns and turns. Any suggestions?

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: GT 150 Starting problems

You have to start with the basic's here, compression, ignition, fuel. If you have been starting it for just short interval's, is the battery still up enough to crank the engine fast enough to start. The starter bendix is not returning to the full rest position, the bendix shaft could use some lube, or the battery is simply to low on charge. The engine being new to you, talk to another boat owner if you are new to boating.

 

[sffilm1]

Re: GT 150 Starting problems

Well, it's not the battery, because I switched it out with my battery that is on a charging system. As far as lube goes, will motor oil work alright? Also, I don't have the tools to do a compression test.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: GT 150 Starting problems

It sounds as if your battery is undercharged, or it needs to be load tested, most auto stores will do this for free if you do not have a tester.

Short of that, these problems are often wiring or connection related. Go over all connections at the battery, solenoid, starter, grounds, with a file and make them shine. Also inspect the wiring for nicks or cuts, or for 'crunching' when you flex it, which is a sure sign of corrosion.

Voltage drop testing is a quick and easy way to determine if there is a faulty section of wire or a faulty component.

As far as the bendix, oil it lightly with a light oil such as sewing machine oil, or a 3 in 1. You do not need alot.

 

[sffilm1]

Re: GT 150 Starting problems

Ok, I found the problem (or one of them) completely by accident. It is an oil injected 2-stroke, from my understanding of it, anyway, the oil line inside the engine was a rigid oil line, just a hard piece of plastic, which was broken when I opened it up today, so I replaced that with a rubber, automobile rated 1/4" fuel line. I'll have to check tomorrow to see if it worked, it's too late at night to be starting her up right now.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: GT 150 Starting problems

Are you CERTAIN that is an oil line and not a fuel line?

1/4 inch fuel line is too small for a 150 and will not flow enough fuel for full throttle without running lean.

Make sure that is the oil line. And if it is, you are very lucky that it did not start as you would have been running it without oil!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: GT 150 Starting problems

the battery and electrical system has to be up to par. the motor has to turn +-300 rpms to start. the bendix not dropping, indicates it is not turning fast enough.

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad