Hellllllllllpppp!

[jacobpourciau]

The starter (i think that is the name for it) isn't always being deployed to the flywheel. It is getting stuck and i have to physically take pliers and more it to unstick it, then if i am lucky it will spring up and ignite the flywheel to crank my engine! What do i need to to to keep the from happening again?? Again, it is the thing with teeth that deploys up when cranked and spins the flywheel.........I have sprayed WD-40 on it and it really did not help! IDK what to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[freelunch]

Re: Hellllllllllpppp!

Ok, first its good to let everyone know what model-hp-year of motor youre working on.
If you do have a chrysler/force outboard the bendix gear is likely getting stuck due to a lack of lubrication.
Apply some marine grease to the gear and spring.
WD-40 wont really cut it, if grease doesnt solve the problem you should be able to disassemble the starter gear set to further troubleshoot it.
Danny

 

[roscoe]

Re: Hellllllllllpppp!

Could also be that the shaft is slightly bent.
Or the gear is badly worn and there are metal shavings all over.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Hellllllllllpppp!

Yep! Bendix is sticking. Easy way is to try and clean and relubricate in place--But cleaning with WD didn't help. SO!

First remove the top nut--5/8 self locking-- But you need to hold the bendix so the shaft won't turn. After the nut is off, then remove the starter because you can not remove the bendix assembly while the starter is still attached--flywheel is in the way.

Remove the bendix assembly and clean it well. Check to see if the shaft is bent--it's not unheard of-- If it is, then off to a starter repair shop or buy a used starter motor.

Re lubricate the bendix and shaft with a high quality light grease--light coating or the grease will throw-off when the starter spins and also prevent bendix from rising and engaging the flywheel ring gear.

reassemble everything and you should be ready to go.

 

[dst87mcssac]

Re: Hellllllllllpppp!

I am on my fourth starter on a 1997 Motor. I have been changing mine out every other year. You can find them on E-Bay for a decent price. Get an aftermarket one because they do not last long. I had my orginal rebuilt and it cost more than a new Aftermarket one and it did not last long. If you do a search on this site, you will come to determine, like I did, that these starters are the weak link on these motors. Go to E-Bay under Mercury Force and there is always a bunch of them for sale. I think they are about $80.00. I am considering replacing mine at the beginning of each season. Cheap insurance.

This is my opinion.

Donald

 

[rudedude]

Re: Hellllllllllpppp!

I have had the same starters on my motors for years, the only time i had a problem was when I put too much grease on the bendex.


One thing I noticed was a lot of people keep the starter ingaged until the motor starts, some motors are cold and hard to start first thing. I hit the starter for no more that a few seconds and let it set a few seconds before tring it again, I keep doing this until the motor kicks over, seem to keep the starter motor from any excessive heat, the number one killer of starters......................................HEAT

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Hellllllllllpppp!

The biggest problem that I find with my customers boats is that they DO NOT USE THEM enough!

1. Batteries loose energy over time, a low battery will COOK a starter.

2. Aged batteries will not keep charge long, then see 1. above.

3. Aged fuel contributes to hard starting, see the previous post, they keep cranking till the starter melts down.

4. Aged and fouled spark plugs contribute to hard starting, see all the above.

If your motor doesn't fire right off, then give it just a little love and attention, and set things right. You will be rewarded with much fewer problems and a much better performing boat for the whole season.