Merruiser Alpha 350 Starter won't Engage?

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Merruiser Alpha 350 Starter won't Engage?

It soundslike the starter should function going by the posts
Was the flywheel or ring gear changed prior to going into storage??

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Merruiser Alpha 350 Starter won't Engage?

Why not try a new or known to be good marine starter......
Or, you could use a cheap auto starter temporarily for testing purposes if you are out of the water & properly ventilated....​

 

[ndnflyr]

Re: Merruiser Alpha 350 Starter won't Engage?

If I had access to a "known to be good marine Starter" or automotive starter I would try it but I don't. I am going to disassemble it one more time and re-assemble and if that fails I will find a rebuilt on ebay. They seem to be reasonably priced. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Merruiser Alpha 350 Starter won't Engage?

You used the 'assumed' , that the drive gear waas good.

A very large percentage of drive gear clutch's die. What 'feels' good actually fails under load.

If there was NO evidence of ring gear tooth damage, which should be appearant if the starter continued to run but did not 'engage' then the drive gear or armature winding to armature shaft, failed. The percentage of armature to shaft failures is very rare, while the drive failure rate is so much more. test the drive better, rig it in s vise and grab it with a pair of pliers, give it a twist, you will find something wroong. (Besides my spelling)

 

[wire2]

Re: Merruiser Alpha 350 Starter won't Engage?

1 more check to make;
With the key on "start" and the starter running, is there a full 12 volts on the solenoid? There should be, but may not be.

 

[ndnflyr]

Re: Merruiser Alpha 350 Starter won't Engage?

I disassembled starter completely and cleaned and inspected all parts. The drive gear was alittle dirty and rusty. The clutch aseembly was in very good shape other than being a little dirty. I lubricated & reasemmbled all parts and bench tested again. This time starter sound much like a new starter, something it did not sound like previously. The drive gear snapped out when starter was engergized and snapped back when power was cut. I have not checked voltage at starter but all connections are clean and wiring harness looks good. I will install starter again in the AM and see what happens. Brother-in-law phoned saying he has an auto starter that he will send me to try if it does not work this time.
Thanks to all for suggestions. Will post results.
Dan ndnflyr

 

[ndnflyr]

Re: Merruiser Alpha 350 Starter won't Engage?

TO All Thanks
I installed starter and engine turned over like it was new. 1st time in over 10 years. Installed edlebrock carb that I recieved at noon today bought from ebay to replace stolen Weber that was factory equipment and it fired right up. Many thanks to all of your suggestions. I think the problem was dirty and rusty drive. Even though it would work on the bench it was hanging up when installed. I am now needing parts that I will start in another thread.
ndnflyr
Dan