Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

bigscrb15

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I just replaced the starter on my 1992 Johnson 90. It was a fairly easy swap, but now I notice the drive bendix doesn't line up with the flywheel. It is too far away. How can I fix this? My first though was to place some washers behind the bottom mounting bolt to shim the starter in the right direction. Is this acceptable?

Thank you in advance for all your advice! It is much appreciated!
 

ezeke

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Re: Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

It's not acceptable if you have the wrong starter for your motor. What's the part number of your new starter and the model of your motor?

The starters are supposed to be a good fit without adjusting.
 

Daviet

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Re: Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

I don't think there are starter shims. Where there any shims on the old starter? What is the model number of your engine and what was the part number of the starter you installed?
 

HighTrim

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Re: Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

I hope you are not trying to rig a different starter? Could the original not be rebuilt?
 

bigscrb15

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Re: Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

J90TLAND is my engine Model number
 

bigscrb15

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Re: Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

There was actually nothing wrong with the original starter, but the drive bendix teeth were ground off. The drive bendix was not as easily accessible as the whole assembly.
 

Daviet

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Re: Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

According to the info on their web site it should be the correct one, but you do not shim starters, they should bolt right on.
 

bigscrb15

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Re: Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

When I first bolted it on, it lined up. After I tried to start it, it kicked out of place. I can see on the front mounting bolt that it slid out some. I can't get it back though.. I may have to try to get a ratchet in there and get more leverage than just a wrench.
 

d.boat

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Re: Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

If I recall correctly, my old chevy block inboard jet needed shims on the starter, but like the others, I've not heard of that with outboards. I'd take it off and try to reinstall it correctly and tight enough.

Sometimes you have to remove other parts to get a good attack on the part you're working on.
 
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Re: Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

When I first bolted it on, it lined up. After I tried to start it, it kicked out of place. I can see on the front mounting bolt that it slid out some. I can't get it back though.. I may have to try to get a ratchet in there and get more leverage than just a wrench.

Something ain't right. It sounds to me like either you didn't get the mounting bolts all the way in (cross threaded?) or else something's stripped.
 

bigscrb15

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Re: Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

I found the problem. The mounting brackets on the new starter were not welded on straight. I took very precise measurements off the old starter and then relocated the brackets on the new starter. Everything is working great now!!
 

ezeke

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Re: Replaced Starter on Johnson 90.... How to align it?

I found the problem. The mounting brackets on the new starter were not welded on straight. I took very precise measurements off the old starter and then relocated the brackets on the new starter. Everything is working great now!!

That's not much of a recommendation!
 
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