Intermintent Starting issue

Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
53
I have a 1976 Johnson 115 that sometimes starts easy, and other times I have to jump the starter.

It would seem to me that it is the solenoid. In warm weather it'll start 75% of the time, and in damp weather 25% of the time. After the starter is jumped and the engine warms, it'll usually start from there after.

When it is not starting you just hear a clicking in the solenoid. Sometimes after trying and trying it'll catch and start.

thanks
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Intermintent Starting issue

You need to overhaul all of the wiring for the starter circuit.

Remove, check, clean and reattach all big wires. The most likely culprit is where the battery ground cable bolts to the engine block.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Intermintent Starting issue

sounds to me like dirty connections.

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
 
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
53
Re: Intermintent Starting issue

Thanks guys,

again you have helped me save some cash. Cleaned all connections from front to back, none "looked" bad, but its turning over on first hit everytime now.

thanks
 
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