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1976, 70 HP Johnson

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Steve Hegi

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Will a bad starter cause the engine not to turn over? I changed the fuse, checked all connections, changed battery and it is still just clicking. Not turning over.
 
Starters do go bad. To test... have a good known battery that is fully charged and connect good known jumper cables directly to the electric starter. That'll tell you if the starter needs repairing/replacing or not.

Let us know what you find.
 
Those starters are elegantly simple to take apart / inspect / replace brushes.------But some folks rush out and buy an " offshore " equivalent.
 
Joe,
Thank you. I tried it and its still clicking. While I was out there I cleaned all the connectors with a wire brush and tried it again, still the same.
 
At this point I have a new battery, inspected and cleaned the connectors, I put a new solenoid and coils about a month ago. The solenoid does click when I turn on the ignition. Besides the starter, am I missing something obvious?
 
Steve Hegi said:
Joe, Thank you. I tried it and its still clicking. While I was out there I cleaned all the connectors with a wire brush and tried it again, still the same.
Click to expand...

In running jumper cables directly from the battery to the electric starter...... there is nothing left to do any "clicking"!

The starter either cranks the engine over, sparks like mad due to being shorted, or does absolutely nothing due to a "no contact" internal situation.
 
This could be as simple as the brushes worn out.-----Easy to inspect and repair.-----Not interested in saving some coins ?-----The get a new starter.
 
When did the problem start? When you installed the battery or over storage? Battery posts corrode and may look fine. For marine applications, however, that is why we have wing nuts, they are more positive. A spark in an enclosed area near vented fuel, will make for some interesting fireworks. New solenoids are not always 100 percent reliable, especially if you get an economy model. Like mentioned above, try 12 volts directly to starter post. Sometimes that last connection at the starter will corrode too. Be very careful loosening that nut, so the whole post doesn't turn......hold the lower nut with a narrow opened end wrench.
 
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The problem started when my wife bought a boat knowing Im a mechanical idiot. I was a Navy Corpsman and was fairly decent at putting people back to together. Apparently engines are harder than people.
I took my boat out 5 days ago and it ran fine. The next day I went out and turned the ignition and click. I thought it was the battery so I went and bought a new one. I turned the ignition and click. I got on the forum and started asking questions. I did change the solenoid and coils about a month ago. After reading responses I went back out cleaned the connectors, connected the battery to the starter and nothing. I'm a mechanical idiot so I ordered a new one. How hard could installing a new starter be? The boat came with the top starter bracket bolt being broken off. So after installing the new starter the starter pulls away from the flywheel. So that bolt is important.
So once I drill a hole through the block in a couple of hours I'm going to tell my wife the engine is bad and sink the boat in the creek. I don't need a boat to fish where I live. Half the county comes to my backyard to fish anyway.
 
Steve Hegi said:
The problem started when my wife bought a boat knowing Im a mechanical idiot.
Click to expand...

Coffee spiller right there!
The whole post is one of the funniest ever, thanks for that. Always good to keep a perspective on things when those damn outboards give us (mechanical idiots) a headache!
Wish I could help further, but can only cheer for you and wish you good luck.
 
Sad when folks post information in post #10 say, that should have been included in post # 1------I am going to look at threads and say jump in at # 15 when it appears that the posters is seriously looking for good help.
 
My wife is like yours, love her for her trust in me, pushing me to the limit, but she pushes herself just as hard. I like to fish from shore too, boats and motors are too much trouble. Steve, your awesome......made my day! Now, you got any good used batteries for sale?
 
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I decided to attempt to drill out the old bolt after watching some youtube videos. The bolt is drilled out and the block survived. I tapped the hole and tried to install the starter. The short story is I need to take it to my mechanic. It looks like I didn't drill it straight even using a guide.
I sincerely appreciate the advice given. Between Youtube and the direction provided on this forum I do think I can work on this engine. I'm happy that it doesn't have electronics and it is easy to paddle.
 
He probably means its pretty basic, but he still has a working transmission...? That could change fast. We should recommend he at least take the fishing line off the prop shaft and change oil/grease.
 
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