Starter “whizzing”, not engaging

[GlenL]

Hi all, new here and to boats in general. I’ve got a 2001 Bayliner Capri 192 with a mercruiser 4.3 v6. A couple weeks ago it failed to start out in the middle of the lake, the starter whirres or whizzes like it’s spinning but the bendix isn’t throwing? I replaced the starter and same issue. I charged the batteries and had them tested and same issue. Cleaned grounds and checked battery switch. What I can see if the flywheel looks ok when I have the starter removed. What am I missing here? Thanks!

 

[tpenfield]

:welcome: to iBoats . . .

Replacing a starter is one of my least favorite things to do on a boat engine . . . I hate it when starters whir and whiz . . .

I would double check the following:

- Make sure you have the proper starter. Use the serial number of your engine to match up with online parts lists for the starter.

- Do make sure you are getting a marine starter (spark suppression)

- Do make sure it is installed correctly

If you do have the correct starter, etc. possibly it is a bad bendix on the new starter? :noidea: Is it a new starter or re-built?

You can use a mechanics mirror to get a look at the flywheel teeth to see if there are any issues in that regard.

 

[Chris1956]

The 4.3L Mercruiser starters I have seen, had a piston that was pulled into a cylinder on the starter solenoid. The starter would not spin until the piston hit the bottom of the cylinder.

Not sure what style you have. You might repost this in the MerCruiser I/O forum.

BTW - if the flywheel ring gear is missing a tooth, the starter can spin free, Hopefully that is not your issue.

 

[GlenL]

Apparently my brand new starter was bad. I replaced it with another that I knew was good, and it turned over right away. I’ve still got other issues with the boat, but this one seems to be rectified. Thank you all for your help!