Starter Spinning?

[bobaschmidt]

I have a 1985 90hp Johnson and lately the bendix gear is spining on the flywheel slowly compaired to the shaft on the starter. is there a key or splines to hold the bendix gear to the starter shaft or just the top bolt? Is it ok for the shaft and the bendix to spin at different speeds? Thanks for the help, Bob

 

[OBJ]

Re: Starter Spinning?

Hi Bob..<br /><br />There is a rubber hub in the starter drive gear that acts as a clutch when the starter is engaged. Any type of lube getting into the hub between the rubber and metal cup will cause the bendix gear to slip and turn slower than the starter shaft. Haven't really seen the rubber clutch just wear out but it's possible. Make sure the rubber clutch and cup are dry. If any lube is applied, just a few drops of WD-40 to the starter shaft will do or an application of bendix grease used sparingly.