1990 90 hp Johnson starter hesitating

[riopga]

It seems to only be the first time of the day. It gives it like a "bump, pause, go. Starts it up fine. Battery is new and was checked at Auto parts store. Could this be solenoid? Or is more likely that the starter is going bad?

 

[racerone]

Those starters are easy to work on.-----Take it apart for inspection.-----I install new brushes at $5 a set.

 

[sctoney]

My 1993 Evinrude 90hp had the same problem. I took the starter apart and cleaned out all the carbon dust and misc dirt, polished up the commutator and brushes with 320 grit wet/dry sandpaper, lubed the bearings, and now it works like new.