1999 Johnson 130 starter gets stuck

[PhilNMD]

Every once in a while, when I go to start the motor, I get nothing when I turn the key. I check and find that the starter pinion is up and jammed under the flywheel (the teeth are not aligned and engaged). I use a wrench and turn the starter pinion, and it drops down. Then the motor starts fine. This will be REAL inconvenient (and potnetially dangerous) if it happens in rough seas and I have to take off the engine cover and repeat this procedure.

Battery is fully charged.

Is this symptom a lubrication problem? A starter ready to fail, in need of replacement? What should I do?

Please help!?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1999 Johnson 130 starter gets stuck

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

 

[F_R]

Re: 1999 Johnson 130 starter gets stuck

If I read the question correctly, the pinion is jamming up against the bottom of the ring gear. That would indicate a badly worn ring gear or pinion. Notice the angle cut of the teeth on both. If they are worn or rounded off, you will get that problem.