Smoke coming from starter

[cmcc]

I have 1986 Johnson 70h outboard. I found instructions informing me to engage the starter switch to test the voltage current into the starter. This is to diagnose whether the starter is bad or the solenoid. By the time to had the tester ready while the start switch was turned smoke was coming out of the top of the starter by the Bendix gear. Eesh!!

 

[F_R]

Re: Smoke coming from starter

Well, I guess you diagnosed that little problem. Obviously, you had current to the starter...and finished it off. But don't feel too bad, it was already bad or it would have cranked.

 

[cmcc]

Re: Smoke coming from starter

Should the starter spark at the Bendix gear?

 

[dukboat]

Re: Smoke coming from starter

No it shouldn't smoke or spark. Check all your wire connections and make sure they are clean and tight, and the battery is fully charged.

 

[flabum]

Re: Smoke coming from starter

can you turn the flywheel by hand?

 

[cmcc]

Re: Smoke coming from starter

The flywheel turns, not easily or smoothly. Should the gear that comes out of the starter to interlock with the flywheel swivel up and down smoothly with the turn of the key? I turned that gear out of the flywheel to set on the top of the starter, just to see what would happen after I reset it. I was thinking, maybe what flabum is thinking, that the flywheel was stuck which would resist the effort from the starter and possibly cause it to smoke. The swivel gear coming out of the starter does look a little chewed up. After resetting the gear back down to the starter, I turned the key and it slightly rotated the flywheel. The starter still got hot. So, I cleaned all connection with a sandpaper, retightened connections, sprayed WD40 on the gear, and closed it up till tomorrow morning. Also, the battery charger is on the battery. Hopefully something positive happens in the morning.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Smoke coming from starter

You've obviously let all the smoke out of the starter. Any electronics guy knows that once you let the smoke out of something it won't work anymore.

The starter on my engine was in a very similar condition when I bought the boat. The good news is that starters are easy to change on these engines. I found a starter on ebay for $75 and it's been great. Big difference between turning the key and hoping that the starter will work this time (and praying it works when I get done fishing and want to come home), and knowing that it's going to work.

 

[cmcc]

Re: Smoke coming from starter

New starter it is...
Thanks Everyone

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Smoke coming from starter

You can probably buy a used starter for under $100 but you are getting something in unknown condition. A new starter for that motor is probably about $250 these days but a rebuild of the one you have will most likely be only about $100 to $125. Ask your local OMC dealer who rebuilds them in your area - he will probably know.

 

[cmcc]

Re: Smoke coming from starter

Thanks.
I ordered a new off-brand starter from www.rareeletrical.com. $125 total after shipping and tax. They are also listed in ebay motors.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Smoke coming from starter

cmcc - A couple of things. First you should get considerable resistance in turning over your engine by hand if the plugs are in but moderate to resistance if the plugs are out.

Second the thingy that sits on top of the starter and engages the flywheel is called a Bendix gear. It and the shaft must be clean with maybe a very light coat of oil.

Third you must have a fully charged battery for the atarter to achieve enough rpms to spin the Bendix up and engage the flywheel. If the battery is low or the battery cables are bad or the connections are not clean you will not get enough voltage to the starter.