Starting problem on 1970 Johnson Hydro Electric Shift

[reverbflange]

I've got a 1970 115 hp Johnson Hydro Electric Shift motor, and while trying to start, the starter barely can turn the flywheel. It is not seized, has good compression, etc...

Obviously this defaults to forward, so I guess I'm asking if it's stuck in forward, should the starter still be able to turn over fine, or will it be too much compression to turn it?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starting problem on 1970 Johnson Hydro Electric Shift

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

 

[F_R]

Re: Starting problem on 1970 Johnson Hydro Electric Shift

I've got a 1970 115 hp Johnson Hydro Electric Shift motor, and while trying to start, the starter barely can turn the flywheel. It is not seized, has good compression, etc...

Obviously this defaults to forward, so I guess I'm asking if it's stuck in forward, should the starter still be able to turn over fine, or will it be too much compression to turn it?

Don't automatically assume it has anything to do with the shift. It will always be in forward gear when not running. You have a problem elsewhere, starter or cables or something of that nature.