1988 40hp johnson starter problem

[FSUDTD]

Hey guys,<br /><br />Had a great day out on the water all day today with the engine running great the whole time; I get back to the house about an hour later and go to flush the engine out and it wont start. It just makes a noise as the starter spins, but will not engage the flywheel. Any suggestions on this matter would be greatly appreciated; you all are always great help.<br /><br />thanks,<br />brandon

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1988 40hp johnson starter problem

The bendix on the starter won't fly up if it's stuck from corrosion or other crud, or if the starter doesn't get enough power. I don't think the first is very likely seeing how it was working fine, so first check all your connections making sure they're clean and tight. Especially at the battery. Also, make sure your battery is fully charged.<br /><br />If neither of those things help, get back to us!

 

[FSUDTD]

Re: 1988 40hp johnson starter problem

Thanks a lot Paul; Ill stick the battery on the charger for a couple of hours and see if that does the trick, if so it might be time for a new battery. Will let you know how it turns out. Thanks again.<br /><br />brandon

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1988 40hp johnson starter problem

You can check your charging system by putting a volt meter (a multi-meter will work fine set to VDC). Check the voltage at the battery before and after starting the engine. If the voltage is higher after the engine starts, then your charging system is working.

 

[FSUDTD]

Re: 1988 40hp johnson starter problem

Thanks again Paul. Im in the process of charging the battery now; I did neglect to mention that I did hear the same noise afore mentioned on the water today after the engine had started. I dont know if thats a sign of the part itself going bad or not. Im hopeful it will be a fairly simple fix like the battery; only time will tell.<br /><br />Till later, thanks,<br /><br />brandon

 

[FSUDTD]

Re: 1988 40hp johnson starter problem

Well, tried to start the engine again after fully charging the battery and nothing has changed. Any other ideas or self tests would be a great start. Thanks again<br /><br />brandon

 

[jfm1]

Re: 1988 40hp johnson starter problem

make sure all your cable ends are clean and tight even the ground on the block

 

[marinemech]

Re: 1988 40hp johnson starter problem

see if bendix is stuck down (disconnect battery)<br />grab starter bendix wiggle it back and forth and try to raise it <br />if its stuck down they sometimes can be freed using proper size wrench put wrench onto hex part of bendix and give it a shrp punch down ward forcing bendix up<br />if that was problem put a small amount of bendix grease on shaft and remember trick for next time<br />if bendix was free try a different battery and make sure all connections are clean and tight

 

[FSUDTD]

Re: 1988 40hp johnson starter problem

I tried wiggling the bendix up the shaft and it wont go; it will spin freely on the shaft when i hold the shaft still. Im a little confused about what to do with the wrench to try and force the bendix up; the hex part of the bendix, is it below the bendix and i try prying the bendix up, in a sense. thanks for the suggestions<br /><br />brandon

 

[FSUDTD]

Re: 1988 40hp johnson starter problem

Alright, I checked all the connections, power and ground, and cleaned them all. I also checked the voltage of the battery at the battery and at the engine and all looks good. Im convinced that the bendix is stuck in the down position (of course if I knew enough to know i wouldnt be posting here). Ive tried to pry and pull the bendix up with no luck. What next? Please help, I need to fish. <br /><br />thanks<br />brandon

 

[FSUDTD]

Re: 1988 40hp johnson starter problem

Hey fellas,<br /><br />Just thought Id write back and let you know that all is well with the starter now; the bendix was stuck. I simply soaked it with WD40, let it sit, then came back with a wrench and pryed from underneath it while gently tapping it with a hammer. Slowy but surely it came loose; i then cleaned the shaft really well and lubed it. Tried it out and shes ready to rock. Thanks again for all your replies; each was very helpful.<br /><br />brandon

 

[tabbott]

Re: 1988 40hp johnson starter problem

Go FSU!!!<br />FSU Alumni 1992 Displaced to NC.