Need help w my 2001 johnson ocean pro 115hp

[Lamont407]

I have a 2001 johnson ocean pro 115hp outboard motor. When I initially turn the key the bendix goes up an engages with the flywheel as it should. Then maybe 2 seconds later the flywheel no longer spins and only the starter spins. I've replaced the bendix and battery, what could be wrong?

 

[Crosbyman]

fwiw here is one answer from an intelligent source...

Q:
what would cause the bendix gear on a 2001 johnson ocean pro 115hp outboard motor to drop off after 2 seconds

On a 2001 Johnson Ocean Pro 115, if the Bendix gear comes up normally, cranks the engine for about 2 seconds, then suddenly drops off while you are still holding the key in START, I would look at a few things—but one is particularly common.

Most likely: the engine is briefly firing​

The Bendix is an inertia-drive. If the engine momentarily fires and accelerates even briefly, the flywheel can overrun the starter and force the Bendix back down. This is normal Bendix behavior. A very similar Ocean Pro case describes the Bendix dropping out just as the engine begins to fire.
So if yours does:
START → cranks strongly → ~2 sec → Bendix drops → starter spins freely
I'd first determine whether the engine is actually trying to fire at that instant.

But if it does it with NO ignition possible...​

This is important. If you disconnect the ignition so the engine cannot possibly fire, and it still drops out after exactly ~2 seconds, then I'd suspect:

1. Weak battery / excessive voltage drop
2. Poor battery-to-engine ground
3. Bad positive battery cable or connection
4. Starter drawing excessive current
5. Sticky/worn Bendix drive
6. Starter shaft/helix contaminated or damaged

There is a documented case on a Johnson where the Bendix dropped after about two seconds even with the plugs disconnected; the eventual investigation showed the problem occurred only when the starter was under the load of engine compression.
Also, a 1996 115 Ocean Pro had intermittent Bendix engagement caused by a sticky Bendix, which was freed up with lubrication.

A very useful test​

Since you work with scopes/meters, I'd do this:
Put a voltmeter directly across the starter motor terminals and watch it while cranking.

• Battery sitting: ~12.6 V
• Cranking: ideally well above 10 V
• If it plunges substantially lower just before the Bendix drops, investigate battery/cables/starter.

Then repeat with the spark plugs removed.
If it cranks continuously with the plugs out but drops out after 2 seconds with the plugs installed, that's a big clue toward starter torque/current/compression-related trouble, rather than the ignition switch.
And don't overlook the Bendix itself: it should move freely up and down its helical shaft. It should not be gummy or sticky.