Bendix Doesn't Engage Flywheel

[Coxwain]

Hi there

I have a 1986 mariner magnum 150hp 6 cyl motor

Same issue with the bendix spinning but not flying up to the top of the flywheel.
Likewise I have stripped the starter down, cleaned and lubed the bendix, but it still just spins.
I did not replace the brushes as they seemed good.
I did direct cable connection to trolling motor but couldn't get it to rise. Can the magnet and motor wear out? Could there be another electrical issue? I lubed up the bendix after I sprayed degunker on it to clean it up.

Should I just replace the starter or is there another option I should try?

 

[GA_Boater]

Coxwain

Gave ya a thread of yer own - Posting in ancient threads very seldom get results. Say hello to Jimi. :smile:


If you use jumper cables and fully charged battery, the bendix will snap right out. It sounds like the starter isn't spinning fast enough. Windings can short and if a starter is dropped just right it can weaken the magnets.

A new starter or a rebuild by an auto electrical shop may be in the cards.

 

[racerone]

Take starter apart.----Check OHMS from commutator to the small shaft sticking out.-----Should read infinity.-----Magnets are likely OK on it.

 

[Silvertip]

Were both of the batteries you used fully charged? And are they known good batteries. Because they measure 12 volts does not mean they are good. Charge them and have them load tested to confirm. Did you clean the grooves in the starter motor shaft? Good battery, good solenoid, good starter and good wiring connections are essential for proper Bendix operation.

 

[DavidMoore]

Did you get the alignment marks correct on the rebuild (not easy to see), if not the stator (black bit) could be upside down and motor will spin backwards = bendix will never rise.
I know from experience :embarassed:

 

[Chris1956]

If that starter has a permanent magnet, and it is installed upside down, the starter will spin backwards.

 

[Coxwain]

Thanks for the replies .
The magnet can only go one way as there is more room at one end over the other.


I just got a new battery and still same issue.

How do you ohm test the armature?

The brushes seems like they are long enough, should hey be polished ?

The voltage is good and isolated the atartor with jumper cables and had same effect. The bendix was cleaned up but not removed but seems to move freely.


Rebuild or replace? What is the best option?

 

[60sboater]

Take it to an auto parts store for testing.

 

[Coxwain]

To close out my comments. I ended up taking the starter to a rebuild shop and they exchanged the starter for another rebuilt starter for $160CAD.
DG Auto Electric in Etobicoke. Gave a 6 month warranty.

BTW they bench tested it and it performed the same way with me as him.

Popped it in and bang. Works like a charm.

I am so curious to know what was wrong with my unit as the brushes are cheap $30-40cad.

I hate to give in like that but, now its working and cranking away.

Sorry for the double post, but I always like to see threads conclude themselves.

 

[wn6ngp]

To close out my comments. I ended up taking the starter to a rebuild shop and they exchanged the starter for another rebuilt starter for $160CAD.
DG Auto Electric in Etobicoke. Gave a 6 month warranty.

BTW they bench tested it and it performed the same way with me as him.

Popped it in and bang. Works like a charm.

I am so curious to know what was wrong with my unit as the brushes are cheap $30-40cad.

I hate to give in like that but, now its working and cranking away.

Sorry for the double post, but I always like to see threads conclude themselves.

Something else to watch out for related to this topic. On my 2000 90 hp ELPTO the nut on top of the starter loosened up. Eventually it allowed the starter gear to go up beyond the flywheel. I got stranded on the lake due to this. I put it back with loctite but this is something I'm going to check periodically now.

 

[racerone]

Brushes can be found for about $5.00 at starter / alternator place.---Commutator to shaft should read infinity on a digital meter.---About the only 2 things that go wrong on them are shorted armature or worn out / broken brushes !.

 

[Coxwain]

I really wish I pursued the replacing brushes first. I wasn't sure how to test the armature but it sounds like these are rare to have a problem.

 

[racerone]

Prolonged cranking damages lots of these armatures !