"Tim" wrote in message
oups.com...

chances are, the starter motor doesn't ahve bad windings, but the
brush's may be corroded, and/or wore down. If so? it's a fairly easy
fix, and any reputable lawnmower shop should have brushs in stock.
That same "type" pf starter is used on many small engine applications.


I was going to suggest the same thing. The little 25 hp Johnson on my old
Whaler exhibits the same symptoms. Most of the time it fires up immediately
when you hit the key, but every once in a while the starter is very
sluggish, with the bendix barely being thrown up to engage the flywheel.
When this happens, I just keep jogging the starter over a few times until
the brushes make a good contact again and it fires right up with authority.

I'll clean the armature and replace the brushes this winter.

Eisboch