98 115 Johnson - Sticky timer base

[GatorMike]

My boat sat for about 3 months and I started it this morning so I can use it tomorrow. It fired right up but the throtle wouldn't advance all the way. I disconected the cable at the linkage and it worked fine. I checked the linkage and seems the timer base is sticking. Is it advisable to remove the flywheel and grease it or will a shot of WD40 do the trick? What is the best way to get lubricant up under the flywheel if WD40 will do it?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 98 115 Johnson - Sticky timer base

It depends on what is causing the problem. If a sticky substance is dripping down from the stator's large black coils, that indicates that the stator is failing and requires replacing.

Note that the stator is the beginning of both the engine's battery charging system and also the ignition system. When it starts to melt down, both systems will suffer. If this is the case, the flywheel will require removing anyway.

On the other hand, if the above is not the case, the problem is usually a tight "L" clamp pressing against the timer base nylon retaining ring/bearing. This can usually be cured by using a long thin screwdriver to gently pry up the edge of the problem "L" clamp. Spraying WD40 on that nylon ring area as a lubricant is okay.

Note that grease is used only on the brass bearing surface of the timer base. Use only oil on the nylon ring area as grease attracts dirt more readily which results in binding.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: 98 115 Johnson - Sticky timer base

Thanks Joe,
I sprayed in a little WD40 and it's still sticks. I think I will pull the flywheel anyway, not that tough a job (as long as things go right) and I feel more comfortable being able to see just why it stuck. Might save me a breakdown someday.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 98 115 Johnson - Sticky timer base

Some white lithium grease also works well, in limited amounts. Just don't use a heavy grease.