Bad starter?

[dozer1013]

86 Mariner Marathon 135

ok, out on the lake today
Started fine
Had to come in for some gear
Tried to start and it whirred for a few but then started fine
Went across the lake and fished for a couple hours
Storms started coming in decided it was time to head in and it wouldn't start
only rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

I'm 90% sure its the starter but is there a way to test to be sure?

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Bad starter?

Does rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr means it was spinning or your sounds of frustration?

 

[dozer1013]

Re: Bad starter?

Does rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr means it was spinning or your sounds of frustration?

motor: rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
me: grrrrrrrrrr

It was spinning but that's it

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Bad starter?

So the starter was turning the motor over slower than usual? Sounds like something other than the starter. Check the simple things first. Tight battery connections, good wiring from the battery to the motor and the wiring inside the motor cowling. Do those things after making sure the kill switch lanyard is on, if you have one.

 

[oldman570]

Re: Bad starter?

If the starter was just spinning and not turning the motor over to start it, then the bendix on the starter shaft end is sticking and/or dirty and needs to be cleaned and lubed. Simple job, remove the starter and then remove the bendix gear and spring and clean the parts and use a light weight oil to lube the parts and reassemble everything. JMO
Oldman570

 

[dozer1013]

Re: Bad starter?

If the starter was just spinning and not turning the motor over to start it, then the bendix on the starter shaft end is sticking and/or dirty and needs to be cleaned and lubed. Simple job, remove the starter and then remove the bendix gear and spring and clean the parts and use a light weight oil to lube the parts and reassemble everything. JMO
Oldman570

Worth a try before buying a new one
Thanks!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bad starter?

Sticky Bendix is a common issue on those motors. Some stick up, some stick down. Yours is sticking down or the Bendix itself needs to be replaced.

 

[dozer1013]

Re: Bad starter?

If the starter was just spinning and not turning the motor over to start it, then the bendix on the starter shaft end is sticking and/or dirty and needs to be cleaned and lubed. Simple job, remove the starter and then remove the bendix gear and spring and clean the parts and use a light weight oil to lube the parts and reassemble everything. JMO
Oldman570

One question, by light weight oil, do you mean something like 3-in1? Or will I need something else?
Thanks

 

[oldman570]

Re: Bad starter?

3-in 1 should do the trick. Just a very fine light coating. A graphite powder used for auto door locks would work also.
Oldman570

 

[dozer1013]

Re: Bad starter?

3-in 1 should do the trick. Just a very fine light coating. A graphite powder used for auto door locks would work also.
Oldman570

Cleaning/oiling did the trick, it fired right up!
Thanks again!!!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Bad starter?

Good - the oil did it.