79 115 Johnson V4 Starting Problems

[Alpinegold]

I bought a 79 115hp Johnson V4 from a friend who had the power head replaced. The boat has set up for 3 years. Will probably have to have carbs serviced. Here is my main issue. Bought 2 new top of the line interstate batteries. When I go to the lake and try to start motor, the motor spins great. Get motor started and when I try to start it again, the starter spins slowly the eventually it will not turn the starter. I'm not spinning the starter excessively running the battery down. Have put a meter on battery when it will not spin and it's showing 12.78v. Have cleaned all battery cable leads at starter solinoid junction box and battery. Wires from gear box to junction box appear to be excessive long. Some of the wires were chewed by rats when boat was in storage but have inspected and taped any all exposed wires. Please help dont have much more hair to pull.

Alpinegold

 

[teslaman]

Re: 79 115 Johnson V4 Starting Problems

You may have a bad rectifier. Also, you may have something consuming the battery power that you may be overlooking. I believe the engine runs totally on the stator while running and only uses the battery to start. Do you have any accessories, maybe someleakeage current.

how about the water level in the batts?

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 79 115 Johnson V4 Starting Problems

On an engine that age, check both battery cable's up close to where the engine pivots. The cable's could be broken under the insulation from the twisting action. You could put an ohm meter on both end's of each cable, and twist to look for a break in the cable.

 

[Alpinegold]

Re: 79 115 Johnson V4 Starting Problems

Thanks for your interest and comments, I really appreciate it.

I have done a Continnuity check from Battery to leads on starter and Silonoid but i did not twist the lines. I will try that.
Have put volt meter to battery at off, load and start and the results were constant 12.78 over 5 minute test, same and 2 volt drop at start which should be about right.

I'm not sure where and how to test the rectifier but have manual and will investigate. Again thank you .

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 79 115 Johnson V4 Starting Problems

if you don't find anything else. take the starter and have it tested. the windings may be going. also try jumping the solenoid. battery cable direct from pos battery to pos post on starter.