Topic: 1958 Johnson 35HP outboard starter went bye bye!

This topic has 18 replies, 11 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 1 month ago by Mumbles.

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March 10, 2017 at 11:57 pm #6505
huntleybill
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US Member - 2 Years
Looks like I am going to need a replacement starter. NOT the recoil starter, but the actual starter motor. Or, can these be rebuilt?
Are there places that rebuild these started motors? Cuz, I’m sure they don’t make new ones!

Your advice and guidance is always appreciated.
Thank you
Bill
March 11, 2017 at 12:28 am #54110
george-emmanuel
Participant
US Member
You haven’t said what failed….Brushes are available. Field windings and an armature may be another story. Take it to a local starter/alternator shop and let them do an assesment. I’m willing to be it may only be brushes.
March 11, 2017 at 12:35 am #54112
frankr
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US Member
Actually, a company by the name of ARCO does make new ones. Their number 5376. marineengine.com has ’em. I hasten to add, I’ve never bought or seen one. That means my experience with them is zero—whether good or bad.
March 11, 2017 at 1:26 am #54115
huntleybill
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US Member - 2 Years
Not sure George what exactly the problem is. The motor turns like the battery is almost dead.
Also..thank you Frank…I will look into that….and a local starter/alternator repair place
March 11, 2017 at 1:57 am #54117
jerry-ahrens
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US Member
I’ve put on many, many Arco starters. They are excellent. Sometimes you may be better off replacing, vs. rebuilding, especially if the armature is shot. As George said, maybe some new brushes will do the trick.
March 11, 2017 at 2:07 am #54119
wiscoboater
Participant
I had one rebuilt by a local shop in my area. They did a good job and it worked well when done but it cost me $117. They had to re solder parts of the winding’s and what have you. It was for a 56 Javelin so I wanted to keep it original. If I did it again, I would just buy the new one.
March 11, 2017 at 1:18 pm #54125
chris-p
Participant
I am not doubting you, but I have had many gents bring me a motor to replace a "bad" starter. In almost all cases the starter was fine.

First load test you battery. If you do not have a load tester, bring it in most shops do that for free.
Make sure all connections are shiny and polished. Battery POS and NEG, Connections at solenoid, starter, ground, etc…
Make sure all wiring is not internally rotted. Does it crunch when you flex it? Voltage drop testing will isolate faulty sections of wiring.

If you have a known good battery, and jump the starter direct with fresh cable, does it spin then?
March 11, 2017 at 1:49 pm #54126
frankr
Participant
US Member
X2 What Chris said. Also, just a FWIW to add to it, the screw that holds the external harness to the ’58 motor is the ground connection. Has to be tight.
March 11, 2017 at 2:38 pm #54129
jw-in-dixie
Participant
Sometimes it’s worn, cruddy contacts in the solenoid. As above, bypass to test.

I have opened solenoids and reversed the contacts and the "plate" and they work like new.
March 11, 2017 at 3:48 pm #54131
huntleybill
Participant
US Member - 2 Years
Good advice Chris,
The battery is a marine starting battery. It is brand new.
Fortunately, I have anther 35HP Johnson in the shop that is due for restoration. I took the starter out of that motor and put it on this motor. The motor now spins like crazy. I figured, trying a different starter would either confirm or rule out the wiring, solenoid, switch all in one step! I had an extra starter but I do not have an extra wiring harness. So…it looks like its the starter to me. Do you concur??
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