Johnson 150 ugly noise and quit

stickball

Cadet
Joined
May 1, 2011
Messages
11
Earlier in the week, I had some trouble starting the engine. When I put the throttle in neutral and pressed the clutch ( THINK its the clutch button, anyway...), nothing happened. After messing with it for a couple of minutes, it would start easily and powerfully. Just like it should. This morning when I started it up it was making a slight growling sound that got progressively worse as I worked my way to the fuel pumps. I shut it down to fuel up, and then it wouldn't start at all. Ugly growling noise, not much sound of starting.

Last week, I checked the oil level in the reservoir and it was low, so I filled it with brand new oil (the container hadn't been opened prior to this, and had been left there by the previous owner). I bought the boat last October after the previous owner had $1000 worth of powerpak and other work done to it. I replaced the battery a couple of months ago. There's no smoke coming from the motor, and it had been running fine and powerfully prior to this.

Anyone have any ideas as to what the problem might be, please? Right now the boat is sitting in the water tied up at the marina, not in its slip. Help...!!
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: Johnson 150 ugly noise and quit

Check your starter. When old, the grease dries out on the armature. When cranking, it can make a rather loud, growing sound. Lots of noise, but of not much consequence. If that's it, pull it apart, clean it, relube and reassemble.
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: Johnson 150 ugly noise and quit

Take your hood off and look at the starter motor when trying to start the mtr and see what's happening with it.
 

stickball

Cadet
Joined
May 1, 2011
Messages
11
Re: Johnson 150 ugly noise and quit

emdsapmgr and boobie, that's exactly what the marina mechanic thought as well. The boat is now trailered at the shop awaiting a look-see on Monday or Tuesday. I'll report back when something definitive is discovered. Thanks for the replies.
 

stickball

Cadet
Joined
May 1, 2011
Messages
11
Re: Johnson 150 ugly noise and quit

Update - the starter motor is bad and will be replaced. Mechanic ordered the part already. Whew! Coulda been much worse... Thanks, everyone...!
 
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