Starter Won't Turn Flywheel

[cssulliv]

Working on a 1985 Mercury Black Max XR2.....the battery is good but the starter won't spin the flywheel enough to turn it over when it engages (sometimes it doesn't engage)....it's probably only turning the flywheel about 1/8 of a turn before it just dies out.

So, bad starter?

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Starter Won't Turn Flywheel

I would make sure you have clean secure connections and a strong battery. Then if the engine will not turn over quickly as it should remove and clean the internal parts of the starter. Mine had the same problem and build up where the brushs touch the armature was the problem. After cleaning with a small brush the starter worked like new.

 

[cssulliv]

Re: Starter Won't Turn Flywheel

Solved....low fluid levels in battery. I tested it and it was reading 12.5v so I thought it might be the starter. Added some fluid to the battery and charged it overnight and it's back to normal. Thanks!

 

[JFergus]

Re: Starter Won't Turn Flywheel

I have a 73 Johnson 135 that I just got off a buddy, boat/engine/trailer (life time tabs) for 500. Had this very issue an know it is not the battery. Though maybe the solenoid at first but took apart the starter and found the armature had a caked on resin over 85% of the cylander. I have never seen a "healthy" armature; is the coating something from the factory or maybe just caked on residue from the brushes? If it is not suppose to be there can anyone recommend how to clean it with out damaging it?

 

[JB]

Re: Starter Won't Turn Flywheel

Howdy, JFergus.

Welcome to iboats.

What you just did is called hijacking. Not good manners.
Worse, you did it to an old post.

Please start a new thread to address your problem.

Good luck.