40HP 2-Stroke Starter question

[Brentathon]

On my 2000 40HP 2-Stroke Mercury, when I turn the key to start the motor, the little pinion engages & turns the flywheel for a brief period (approx 1 sec or so) and then disengages the flywheel (by dropping back down) and free-spins until I let go of the key. (The motor seems to start OK...a few attempts may be necessary, but it does start.)
I was wondering if this is typical.
It appears that this little pinion ("Drive Assembly") simply works on inertia, to pop it up when the starter begins to rotate.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: 40HP 2-Stroke Starter question

Thats called a bendix. Have your battery load tested.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 40HP 2-Stroke Starter question

Sounds like the battery is weak or the starter is in need of a rebuild.J

 

[Brentathon]

Re: 40HP 2-Stroke Starter question

The battery sure doesn't seem week, as the Bendix gear immediately engages, and the motor cranks rapidly.
What seems to happen, is that the motor may have one (or more) combustion cycles (i.e. sputters), which then allows the spring-loaded Bendix gear to drop back down.
But, maybe I'll hook-up another battery, to see if that makes a difference. Maybe with some extra juice, it will help the starter develop some more torque, and keep the Bendix gear engaged more.