Starter Motor?

[VanillaGorilla]

Hey guys. I've been having an intermittent problem with my starter on my 2000 Johnson 130HP outboard. I'll put it in the water and it starts right up (usually) ... then if I run for a while (get everything nice and hot) and shut if off, it won't start. I pulled the cover, turned the key and saw that the starter gear is engaging the flywheel but won't spin the flywheel. So that tells me the solenoid is probably ok. Once, after repeated attempts to start it, the starter began to smoke. After letting the motor cool off for 15 or 20 mins, I have luckily been able to get the motor to start. I am thinking it is probably the starter motor going bad ... but don't want to make a mistake and spend $200 unless I have to. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

 

[Walker]

Re: Starter Motor?

Check and clean all battery cable connections at the battery and at the solenoid and the ground cable at the engine block. Clean the short cable from the soleniod to the starter. Never crank your starter continuiously. About 7 to 10 seconds max.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Re: Starter Motor?

Checked and cleaned all connections last night ... did some more playing with it. There is no consistency. I can turn the key once and everything is fine, turn it again and everything is fine, and turn it a third time and suddenly it decides not to turn or turn at a snail's pace. Strange. Any additional thoughts? Wonder if I can get the starter checked at an automotive store ...

 

[Solittle]

Re: Starter Motor?

It could be the starter but more likely the problem is with one or all of the cables. Often it is corrosion inside the cable that you cannot see.

 

[PDS]

Re: Starter Motor?

As so little said, cables might look good from the outside, but with salt water intrusion it could really screw up the copper wire within. If in doubt check it out with an ohm meter.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Starter Motor?

The starter/alternator rebuilder here will check a starter and can tell if it's working correct. Usually if it works intermitently or slowly, it's dragging and needs new bearings along with armature resurface and new brushes.