johnson 55 starting question.

[benl]

Last week I thought I had finished my project. The engine was kicking and tilt was working fine. After 1 week I returned to the boat last night to start it and it wouldn't kick over. The battery seems OK. When I lifted the cover off I noticed that the shaft that holds the wheel that lifts up to turn the main flywheel to crank the motor was spinning but it wouldn't lift up to engage the flywheel the way it had previously. So the shaft is spinning but the cog is not and is not lifting up either.Any suggestions? (I apologise if this post contains too many technical engine terms).

 

[jimalsk]

Re: johnson 55 starting question.

It could ether be a bad bendix spring on the starter or not enough juice in the battery to spin the starter sufficently. Check the connections to the starter and at the battery

 

[benl]

Re: johnson 55 starting question.

Thanks for your prompt response to my post Alaska. Even though the shaft is spinning at high speed are you saying that the battery may still not be supplying enough power to get the cog to lift and engage the flywheel?

 

[benl]

Re: johnson 55 starting question.

I replaced the battery on Sunday based upon your advice and it kicked straight away. Thanks for your tip. I now understand...

 

[jimalsk]

Re: johnson 55 starting question.

Glad to help out. Now why did the battery drain down over that past week????

 

[OBJ]

Re: johnson 55 starting question.

benl...just a question....did you have the battery checked? Not to muscle in on Alaska's post but, on occasion, starter brushes and commutator can get dirty to the point that unless you have a strong battery, the bendix won't kick up. Hope you got the problem solved with the new battery but was just curious.