Ocean Runner 225 starter question

[cdoyal]

I'm just getting my 1997 Johnson Ocean Runner started for the first time this year. I put new plugs in it and started it up. Motor turned over fine a couple of times then caught. I turned the key a third time and I just hear the quiet whir of the starter motor. Both batteries have plenty of charge and it's connected to the charger so I'm sure it's not a battery issue. Any thoughts?

[redemn93]

dont know if they are on a johnson but if the starter and bendix are one piece, tap on the start lightly with a hammer.  if that frees up the bendix i would remove it, open it up and clean it out.

[dbiscayne]

That starter has a type of clutch in it, don't spray any lubricants on the starter gear or shaft (ask me how I know!)
If that clutch is slippin it'll do just what you described - starter gear will engage the flywheel then the clutch slips, starter motor still spins but not driving the gear/flywheel just goes whirrrrrr.

A weak battery or bad cables could give the same symptoms, check all the connections especially the grounds.  You can bypass the starter switch & boat wiring on that motor easily using jumper cables and go straight to the starter or to the solenoid under the cowling (just like an old Ford).  See if 12V straight to the starter will get it to work.

[cdoyal]

Loose wing nut on the battery ground.
I'm good to go!

[redemn93]

well that was easy.

[dbiscayne]

Time for some lock nuts

[cdoyal]

Time for some lock nuts

Or maybe I could pay more attention...

[kaptainkoz]

I wish they wouldn't include wing nuts. It's so important for those cables to be tight. Make sure your batteries are charging before you go on a longer trip. Loose battery terminals will blow your rectifier. I hope it didn't happen to you but to many it's a few hundred dollar lesson, myself included.  Keep those connections tool tight!