I think I burn't out my starter

synergy141

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 1, 2007
Messages
194
2002 Mercruiser 5.0 EFI. Was cranking the motor in the driveway trying to get the motor to start. Tired about 10 times, crank crank crank then the starter let go and it is making a whirring noise. No Engagement, just a whirr. Attached is a video of what it's doing. It has nothing to do with the belt being off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9VT-DWmzCs
 

Chad Flaugher

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 2, 2015
Messages
392
Sounds like a bendix drive went out... In other words, you're right. Starter needs replaced or rebuilt. I'm like %90 sure 'bout that. Up for argument though! :bolt:
 

Grub54891

Admiral
Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Messages
6,162
Yup,Starter drive went south. Next step is removing it. Then figure out why it won't start.
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
I agree the bendix is bad. But you can change the bendix and not the entire starter easily. No need to buy a new starter...
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,373
starter motors have a really small duty cycle, such as 15 seconds of cranking and 2 minutes or more rest between cranks. they get really warm, really fast. however like GM280 said, just replace the bendix.
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
OR it may be a small gear reduction starter....

Doesn't take much to kill the reduction gears... Whenever possible I replace them with big body direct drive starters for earlier model motors.
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
I've seen em die from nothing more than a little hit n miss while cranking .... A buddy of mine had a loose coil wire and smoked 3 gear reduction starters before I dropped off a 20 year old used starter for him..... He abused that starter for months with the motor starting n dying n missing till he told me and I came over n found the loose coil wire for him...
 

Chad Flaugher

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 2, 2015
Messages
392
Yeah, I know the newer starters are gettn' away from the bendix set up... My logic (not always the best) is this... If a component on a part has given out, the rest may be soon to follow. Just replace the whole thing, and the very next step is to find out why it won't start.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,130
Ayuh,..... I agree, ya got a Starter Problem,....

By the looks, step #1 is removin' enough accessories, 'n "Boat" to get the starter off the motor,....

Once on the bench, Test it,....
The issue oughta be obvious,....
Replace, or rebuild, yer choice,....

I've been buyin' nothin' but the permanent magnet motor starters for a few years now,.... not gear drive, straight shaft, 'n bendix,...
Less than Half the weight of the ole starters,...
Hangin' up-side-down, blood rushin' outa yer arms, 'n eyes crossin',... that weight can be the difference in startin' that damn bolt,......




Or Not,..... ;)
 
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