Johnson 35hp 1980 Electric Start Problems

[AlBarrs1]

I have two problems with this old boat. First, it has been setting up for a year. I have two problems: 1) The starter runs, but won't engage the flywheel. I have a new battery and have charged it up and 2) I have a single cable rack and pionion steering stystem Teleflex Marine I think. The stainless steel cable cylinder on the engine side is 11" long. I get only a 5" travel. It stops 3" from the end. Overall stroke look like 8". <br /><br />What are my problems and how do I resolve them?<br /><br />Thanks!!!

 

[Raybo]

Re: Johnson 35hp 1980 Electric Start Problems

Al, there's a spring visible at the top of the starter, it is broken and will need replacing to get that gear to pop up and engage the flywheel when you turn on the juice. Shouldn't cost much. Sorry, I can't help you with that steering pblm. Good luck!

 

[OBJ]

Re: Johnson 35hp 1980 Electric Start Problems

Hey Al.....always a problem huh?<br /><br />Before ya' tear the starter off, try something just fer grins. Put a little WD-40 on the Bendix shaft and run the Bendix gear up and down a little to get it lubed. Then try the thing again.<br /><br />Steering cable.....sounds like ya' got a kink in the ram end (engine end). Pull the ram out of the tilt tube and see if they ram will go any further. If not....replace the steering cable.<br /><br />Keep us posted.....thanks.