1993 200 Johnson Won't Start

Tried to go out the other day, motor started with the turn of a key as usual. It sputtered off after about 2 minutes (also fairly normal when cold) & would not turn over again. It's like the starter just isn't strong enough to turn the flywheel. It clicks & sounds like it's trying to turn it but can't. Any advise? I've looked at the shop manual & I'm going to try to do some trouble shooting on Saturday. The manual is at home, though, 1 hour from the boat, and I'd like to see if there's any special tools, etc. I need before going back to start work.

I'm no mechanic by any means so if I'll take it to the shop if necessary but would prefer to try & fix myself ($$$) if it's somewhat simple to do.

Thanks; Jonathan

Re: 1993 200 Johnson Won't Start

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