30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

[robertjp]

I have a 1995 30 HP Johnson electric start tiller. Last year when I went to start it,I would press the button and all I would hear is a grinding or humming noise. If I kept pushing it eventually, it caught and the motor started. Recently I just tried starting it after the winter and same thing, I kept hearing a humming noise and finally it caught and started right up. Im guessing this is the electric starter??? Maybe not pushing up the teeth to catch the main sproket of the engine??? Was wondering how hard this will be to replace and how expensive. Im not a outboard mechanic but just know the basics. Here is a pic of the inside. Can anyone explain what is happening and my remedies? Thanks much. Bob

 

[racerone]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

There is no need to rush out and buy a new starter !------these starters are extremely easy to take apart for inspection.---Then again it may just need a wee bit of thin grease on the bendix threads.--------A fully charged known good battery should also be tried.

 

[Daviet]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

Also make sure that ALL electrical connections are really clean and tight.

 

[robertjp]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

How hard is it to get out of there to look at?

 

[F_R]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

Don't jump to conclusions. Observe what is actually happening. Chattering sound often comes from the starter solenoid, which is usually caused by loose or corroded battery cable connections. Don't just look at them, take them apart and clean them shiny bright clean, and reassemble tightly.

 

[robertjp]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

its not a chattering sound its like a humming sound sort of.

 

[racerone]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

If it is humming then the starter is turning.--Trouble is the armature as to spin up quickly in order for the bendix to be thrown up to engage the flywheel.----------So check to make sure the battery is fully charged and in good shape.----Check that wiring is in good shape.----Check that bendix is free and lubricated with a wee bit of thin grease.

 

[robertjp]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

Can you explain what the bendix is and if I have to remove the starter from the motor to get to it? Thanks much.

 

[racerone]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

The bendix is the assembly that rises up into the flywheel gear.-----You can manually spin that up to try and put a little grease on the spiral " gear " that shows up.-------No need to remove the starter for this.

 

[robertjp]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

How about spraying some wd40 in there? Would that hurt anything?

 

[scottmm73]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

I would use a good marine grease. Less than 4 bucks at Walmart. WD40 is a water displacement penetrating compound. Yes, it does lubricate but not to the efficiency of an actual grease.

 

[F_R]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

Inertia is what makes the bendix gear rise. The starter motor begins to rotate almost instantly, and the gear tries to remain stationary for just a fraction of a second. During that fraction of a second, the gear must rise, or it is too late. What I'm saying is that the starter must begin rotating almost instantly (battery, connections, condition) AND the bendix gear must not have any stickiness. With all due respect, I don't think I'd use grease for that reason. Prefer a drop of oil.

 

[robertjp]

Re: 30 HP Johnson electric start on the blink. Could use some advice.

OK thanks. Can you tell me exactly where I would put a drop of oil and if I could do it without taking anything apart?