90 Jonhson starter rebuild

[aburke120]

New to me 1984 90hp Johnson outboard, starter not turning engine over real fast so took the starter off, replaced brushes, cleaned up commutator put back together, and now the drive assembly on the starter doesn't move up to engage the flywheel. I greased the threads on the starter and the drive assy. Also took the nut, spacer and spring off, and it still doesn't move. Any thoughts on what would cause this? thanks

 

[dingbat]

New to me 1984 90hp Johnson outboard, starter not turning engine over real fast so took the starter off, replaced brushes, cleaned up commutator put back together, and now the drive assembly on the starter doesn't move up to engage the flywheel. I greased the threads on the starter and the drive assy. Also took the nut, spacer and spring off, and it still doesn't move. Any thoughts on what would cause this? thanks

The usual problem is not enough initial starting torque.
Battery terminals clean?
Battery cables good?
Battery fully charged?

Did you confirm nothing is binding after you reassembled?
Did you check to make sure the commutator wasn't burnt or shorted?
Mine was getting "slow". Tore it apart. Nothing looked bad, but found bad windings when tested.

Bought new for less than the cost of the rebuild

 

[oldboat1]

Might jump the starter directly from your truck or auto. Pos to the post on the starter, neg to the starter mounting. Pos connection first, neg last. Short test in case starter is binding (i.e., just touch the jumper connection and see in the bendix operates.)

 

[aburke120]

thanks for the reply's, I took the starter off the motor and took it apart again just to have a look at it, nothing looked out of place. put it back on and it worked, Don't know why or how but it's working.

 

[Chris1956]

Sometimes the grease on the bendix causes it to stick. Clean off the grease and lube it with motor oil.