89 Johnson 175 ? Starter won?t stay engaged?

[crashkaloop]

I have a 1989 175 that runs well, and starts immediately when warm. But when cold, as soon as any cylinder fires, the starter disengages. I am certain that if the starter would remain engaged for a few seconds, the motor would start right up. Because of this, it takes me about 30-50 tries to have it finally start, and the people at the boat ramp are giving me very nasty looks!

I have replaced the starter, and the problem remains. Even the slightest fire on one cylinder and the darn thing pops right out.

Any help or suggestions?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 89 Johnson 175 ? Starter won?t stay engaged?

Make sure the bendix is coated with a very light oil. A heavy grease is not correct for that application. Also, be sure all your battery connections are shiny clean and that the terminals are tight. You can perform a simple test. Use a set of automotive jumper cables direct to the starter from a known charged-up battery. If it starts the engine normally, (it should-with a new starter) then the problem could be a faulty starter solenoid.

 

[27E_20]

Re: 89 Johnson 175 ? Starter won?t stay engaged?

I have the same problem, and never thought it was a problem until I read this (1990 Johnson 200). I have not replaced the starter.

Would something like 3 in 1 be ideal for lubricating the bendix?

 

[schematic]

Re: 89 Johnson 175 ? Starter won?t stay engaged?

Are you using the "Fast Idle" function on the control?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 89 Johnson 175 ? Starter won?t stay engaged?

I've seen older mechanics with an old tube of bendix grease. Have not personally used it and know that no one seems to sell it. 3 in 1 is pretty light. I've actually used some of the surface oil that forms in a container/tub of white lithium grease. Seems to work fine.

 

[boobie]

Re: 89 Johnson 175 ? Starter won?t stay engaged?

Are you getting spark on all the cylinders when cranking it ?? Jumping a 7/16" open air gap ??

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 89 Johnson 175 ? Starter won?t stay engaged?

Lube the bendix and give the motor a basic health check. Thinking there is something else root causing this issue. Initial thoughts are intermittent and erratic spark when cold, improving when the motor warms up.

 

[crashkaloop]

Re: 89 Johnson 175 ? Starter won?t stay engaged?

I thought I should update this thread as I really left it very open as to what I am doing about this problem.

Over the course of this winter, I have been working on my engine. Rebuilt the carbs, changed the plugs, checked out some other areas, and did a complete new paint job on the whole motor.

In addition to all of that, I also installed a new starter. Now I am not convinced that my starter was the problem at all, but enough people suggested that I get a new one that I finally did. It will be about 3-4 weeks before I can get the boat out again, but when I do, I will report back as to what happened with the starting problem.