Starter will not fully engage

[BomberModelA]

1984 Johnson 15hp. Pulled case apart and cleaned with electical spray cleaner. Put back together now will only spin up til it barely engages flywheel. Will not turn over motor. Brushes looked good and electrical contacts are clean. What do I check next.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Starter will not fully engage

Battery cables really clean and thight, battery charged?

 

[BomberModelA]

Re: Starter will not fully engage

Yes

 

[Daviet]

Re: Starter will not fully engage

The bendex relies on starter RPM to engage the flywheel, the gear and shaft that rides on must be clean with a little lube on it, not grease.
Will the bendex move all the way up the shaft if you twist it by hand?

 

[BomberModelA]

Re: Starter will not fully engage

Thanks I'll try that, have a great day.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Starter will not fully engage

Let us know how it works out, might help someone else.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Starter will not fully engage

Check for corrosion under the insulation as well. Almost all starter problems are traceable to high resistance in the terminations or wire. Make sure to check the power grounds as well.