'99 Johnson 150 starter/bendix problem

[wgamble1]

Have a 150 johnson that the starter is turning fine but is not pushing the bendix up to the flywheel. Have checked the connections at starter and the cylnoid and it reads 13.2 volts. ( is that enough to turn the starter fast enough)? the bendix just spins with the starter and the slave gear that is moved by the starter. Also the bendix is not stuck and moves up the groves just fine when done manually. Any suggestions would be appreciated thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: '99 Johnson 150 starter/bendix problem

Voltage won't tell you much, it's amps that matter. Most likely your battery cables or their connections are bad. Feel for heat after cranking; that will disclose the point of resistance.

You can do a voltage drop test to isolate the problem if the starter is good.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: '99 Johnson 150 starter/bendix problem

95% of the time the problem is wiring from the battery. I thought my wiring was perfect. All connections were all clean, did'nt use wing nuts, caple ends looked good and were heatshrinked.

So I pulled the cover off and cleaned all the parts with abrasive steel wool, lightly lubed with light machine oil and it worked fine. Starter worked everytime.

A year later I found one of the battery cables from the engine had a small split in the rubber where the original rigger pulled the two cables apart. Sure enough the copper was heavily corroded inside in the middle of the wire up underneath where you'd never see it.

I replaced the engine cable and now it really starts well. My point is the problem was probably always the cable. Cleaning the bendix well helped mask the cable problem until the cable finally gave out.

Good luck!

 

[wgamble1]

Re: '99 Johnson 150 starter/bendix problem

Thanks for the reply, the cables are new and have a no corrision on the connections. Could the starter getting weak?

 

[petryshyn]

Re: '99 Johnson 150 starter/bendix problem

HI
To eliminate most variables, connect a voltmeter across the starter motor. Connect red lead to starter motor stud, black lead to starter motor case.

CHECK THE VOLTAGE WHILE CRANKING !!!!!

If voltage is above 10 volts and the drive doesn't engage, either the starter is weak or the drive gear is gummed up.

If the voltage is below 10 volts, look for connections, solenoid contacts or low/bad battery. (in very rare occasions, a shorted or seizing starter will also result in low voltage as well)

 

[jgregory01]

Re: '99 Johnson 150 starter/bendix problem

One of you mentioned about heat on the lines or terminals after starting. I am having problems with my bendix not coming down and not turning while up. I noticed while checking my connections that the negative terminal on my starter battery is very hot.

What should I do.