Big Johnson boat motor starting problem! HELP!

We are in dire need of help, and do not want to bring it in to a shop, well, I don't anyways. I really dont know much about boat motors, but my problem is this: I have a 1970's 50 hp Johnson outboard motor in good condition except for one problem, when we turn the key, ite starter gear in the motor goes up to the main gear, but spins before it gets there and doesnt seem to make it up all the way! I worked so hard on this boat this summer and donnot want to take in to a dumb shop that will charge us $500 to grease it or something. We already spent enough money on it. Is there anyway you can help? <br /><br />thanks

Re: Big Johnson boat motor starting problem! HELP!

The bendix drive will be in a spinning motion before it engages the flywheel. That is a normal condition.<br /><br />Assuming that the battery is in tip top condition and that the starter is spinning at its normal (quite fast) speed, check the following.<br /><br />Disconnect one lead of the battery to avoid a accidential injury. Hold the bendix gear while turning the starter armature shaft by hand. If you have the correct clearance, the bendix gear will slide freely into the flywheel teeth grooves.<br /><br />Should the gear jam against the flywheel even slightly, insert a thin shim between the starter mounting bracket and the powerhead mounting holes in order to gain the slight clearance required. A thin washer usually does the trick.... doesn't take much.<br /><br />Let us know if this cures your problem.

Re: Big Johnson boat motor starting problem! HELP!

A good lithium grease on the shaft above and below the gear should fix it.