Starting Delay 1986 Johnson 150 HP Crossflow V6

[Terrapin]

Recently, when initially cold starting my Johnson (J150TXCDC), The starter doesn’t engage/"turn over" when the key is first turned. On second try the starter engages immediately and starts the engine. The starter engages immediately on all subsequent starts for the day. I replaced the starter motor brushes and cleaned the commutator over a year ago in January of 2023. The starter itself has been working fine and starting the engine well ever since the starter rebuild.
Is this my ignition switch failing (replaced in 2004 and now 20 years old), or is it the solenoid or something else failing?

 

[cyclops222]

You have to do the tests to determine the intermittent none starting.
Need 2 people. 1 on the key switch. YOU with the meter leads on the large current carrying terminal of the starter.
START !! Read the voltage on the large motor terminals. Any click heard ?
What is the battery voltage ...BEFORE.... you try to crank ? Tired or a battery that runs down over night ?

 

[flyingscott]

Does the starter spin on the first try? Is the bendix Sticking down?

 

[Terrapin]

No, the starter does not spin on the first try.
The battery is strong, and on the second turn of the ignition switch the starter motor bendix spins up with authority starting the engine immediately. The starter also engages on first try the rest of the day.

 

[racerone]

Check neutral switch.----Check ground wire from solenoid the block.

 

[Scott Danforth]

my guess is a bad connection.

 

[cyclops222]

Clean BOTH battery posts & cable clamps on them.

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Ignition switch or solenoid....

Flip a coin, good guesses really.

Something is going, buy new parts and throw them in the glove box.

 

[Terrapin]

Thanks for the comments. When I get to the boat this weekend, I'll try and test for voltage at the solenoid when the switch is first turned. I'll also check for loose connections.