Boat Starting Problem...HELP!!!!!!!

[UncleDave]

Any handy person out there that may know the fix for this and has some advice, I would greatly appreciate it.  I am mechanically illiterate, so I haven't a clue.  I went to start the motor for the first time a few weeks ago, and when I turned the key I just got a "whining" noise from the engine.  It is a 1999 90 HP Johnson with literally 20 total times on the water and very few total hours.  I thought maybe the battery didn't have a charge.  Tried charging it and tried again with the same result.  I figured the motor wasn't holding a charge, so I got a new one.  The new battery does the same thing.  Now I know it's something to do with the engine.  Any ideas.  I had a semi-handy friend look at it and he seems to think it is probably the starter.  If so, any ideas on the cost of repair or where to go for a reasonable repair cost?  I am not working now, which makes repairs tough to justify, but I hate to waste all of the potential good fishing right now.  Any ideas/help would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks.   

[Cody Gruchow]

i not an expert on motors or even got a clue but maybe take it into R&R marine or cystal peirz is your best bet. sorry to hear your having problems with it

[Joe]

Without hearing it it's tough to say, but it could possibly be the solenoid.
It sounds like the drive pinion is spinning but not engaging the ring gear.
I'm not sure if this is possible, but put the motor in gear and try to turn the prop a bit by hand. You only need to rotate it a little bit. Put the motor back in neutral and try starting it again. If it does the same thing then most likely your ring gear is fine.
The next thing I would try is locate the starter and lightly tap on the solenoid.(don't pound or bang on it) It could just be that the plunger is stuck or seized from sitting all winter. You may still have to bring it to a mechanic, but here is a couple free things you could try. You never know, you may get lucky. Even if it does start, your still going to want to have the starter tested. 

[wildlifeminnesota]

I work at Lund boat for 15 years. Try taking the cover off a tap the key and see if the starter is in gage? If not check two wrier to the starter if they are lose. Tight them and try again.

[UncleDave]

Thanks for the info guys.  The guy who looked at it said it sounded like something wasn't coming up to "engage" to start the engine.  These ideas may just do the trick.  He seemed to thing it was blown or maybe just stuck, but he didn't try any of the ideas you guys offered.  Thanks again.

[wildlifeminnesota]

So did you get it fix?

[UncleDave]

I am bringing it to Robbinsdale Marine tomorrow morning.

[UncleDave]

Oddly enough it was as simple as a negative wire not on the terminal.  I have no idea how it got disconnected since the last time I used it.  Weird.  It wasn't bad as far as price goes thank goodness.  I am just glad to have my boat back.

[wildlifeminnesota]

Oddly enough it was as simple as a negative wire not on the terminal.  I have no idea how it got disconnected since the last time I used it.  Weird.  It wasn't bad as far as price goes thank goodness.  I am just glad to have my boat back.

See it was a wire. This is the first thing I check.Well I am glad you got it fix. Now you can  !