1979 115 Johnson Starter Issue

[Alpinegold]

Something has gone wrong with my starter. When I turn the key, the starter engages the flywheel and turns slowly, very slowly. I have new battery and it is charged. I put the volt meter to it and it reads 12.92 before I start it and when I turn the key, it drops to 11 volts.

When I put power to the starter without engaging the flywhell, it pops up and spins like a top ( like it is suppose to ).

Anyone got any ideals on what I can check for?

 

[jtexas]

Re: 1979 115 Johnson Starter Issue

Two possibilities: Starter motor needs rebuild, or engine seized. Or lower unit stuck in gear and seized. Sorry, that's three possibilities. Anything bad happen last time out?

Seloc manual has excellent starter rebuild instructions & photos. Special tool fabrication. Couple tests you can do with a continuity tester. Couple more tests you'd need specialized equipment for. One thing you can do, is disassemble, clean out the carbon dust with compressed air or a soft brush, no solvents or hard bristles, make sure the brushes are making good connections, reassemble & try again. Wear tolerance for brushes is 1/4". Careful on disassembly, brushes are spring-loaded and might jump out at ya.

Two starters that year, prestolite & American Bosch...prestolite is obsolete, I found a brush kit at a local dealer last year $50.

 

[JB]

Re: 1979 115 Johnson Starter Issue

If the starter only drops one volt when engaged you have a starter problem. Take it to an auto starter rebuilder.

 

[Windykid]

Re: 1979 115 Johnson Starter Issue

It wouldnt hurt to check your battery cables and connections. Check the starter ground, if all is good get the starter rebuilt or get a new one.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1979 115 Johnson Starter Issue

Those prestolites look damn similar to the ones used on older harleys. I wouldn't be surprised if the brushes were compatible. Worth bringing a set into a shop for a looksee.

 

[Alpinegold]

Re: 1979 115 Johnson Starter Issue

Connection problem. All is well!