1957 35HP Johnson starter problem .

[Roberthill]

Have to turn key to start position more than once to get motor to turn over , sprocket gear goes up every time .
Question. Is there a way to check if it's the starter or the selanoid ? Battery and cables are good . Motor does start but takes a couple of try's . I'm sure I misspelled selanoid .

 

[HighTrim]

Step 1: Have battery load tested at auto parts store

Step 2: Clean all connections, both ground and positive, at battery, solenoid, starter, ground, etc...

Step 3: Check for faulty wiring, corroded wiring. Nicks, cuts, burs, abrasions, etc... or wire that crunches when you flex it. A voltage drop test easily isolates faulty sections of wiring.

Step 4: You can jump the solenoid to test, or test it with a meter. let us know if you need help with this.

Step 5: If you are getting the full 12.65 volts at the starter, and it is still sporadic, it needs cleaning or rebuild.

PS....we so SO many people that think their battery and cables and connections are good. Yet, they aren't. Don't overlook this.

PPS....could also be faulty starter switch. Do you have a key switch or push button to start?

 

[HighTrim]

To test the solenoid:

Hook ohmmeter leads to the 2 LARGE posts. It should read no continuity

Hook up the 2 SMALL posts to a 12 volt battery. You should hear an audible click and now have continuity across the 2 LARGE posts.

 

[F_R]

To test solenoid for high resistance: Put voltmeter leads on two large posts, red lead on battery cable side, black lead on starter cable side. Will read battery voltage. Now have somebody push the starter button. Should go to a very low voltage. Any voltage that does show is power that is being robbed from the starter. This is what is called a voltage drop test. Works on any other component such as a battery connection also.

On that '57. the wing nut that holds the cable to the side of the motor is the ground connection. Must be clean and tight.