Starter sins - won't engage

tutt

Cadet
Joined
Jul 27, 2003
Messages
9
1994 115HP merc outboard. Starter gear spins like crazy, but will not pop up to engage flywheel. Battery is good, connections tight and corrision free, even lubed armature shaft (per a related topic). Bendix spring??
 

Spidybot

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2002
Messages
1,734
Re: Starter sins - won't engage

I have the same motor and have seen a similar problem.<br /><br />Principle is, that the startermotor should 'kick' in with such power that the gear on the bendix cannot follow (also due to the extra weight from the mass attached to the gear) and gets pushed up, to engage the flywheel.<br /><br />For this to work the shaft must be clean and well lubed and the battery must be not only 'good' but 'very good'.<br /><br />And, ofcourse, the full power has to reach the starter motor.<br /><br />If it still doesn't work, your starter motor doesn't make full use of the power = starter needs service.<br /><br />This can be done by a good auto electrician. Standard spares fit, just remember to tell him that it is for marine use. MUCH less expensive than a new starter :)
 

tutt

Cadet
Joined
Jul 27, 2003
Messages
9
Re: Starter sins - won't engage

Thanks, measured 12.5 volts at starter while cranking. oiled shaft without luck. Since it sounds like it works on centrifical(sp?) force, shouldn't I be able to manually move the gear up to the flywheel?
 

Spidybot

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2002
Messages
1,734
Re: Starter sins - won't engage

Yes, you can turn-slide it up the shaft. The pinion is mounted on the shaft as a unit (nut on shaft end). Can be removed for cleaning or replacement by holding the shaft with a wrench and turning the nut with a second wrench. It'll come off with it's return spring. This part is not repairable, officially.<br /><br />BTW: This is just another task covered in detail in a manual (ie Seloc) - link on this site
 

tutt

Cadet
Joined
Jul 27, 2003
Messages
9
Re: Starter sins - won't engage

UU, you fixed it!! I held the gear with one wrech and turned the nut ontop with another. I ten kept oiling and working the gear up and down on the worm gear. THANKS! :)
 

Mod2

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 19, 2003
Messages
713
Re: Starter sins - won't engage

Moving to Mercury/Mariner troubles.
 
Top