1989 3 liter starter won't disengage

[Sliver]

Hi Folks,

I just bought a boat with a 1989 3.0 OMC sterndrive. First time with an I/O. Backed it into the lake when I bought it and it started fine. Brought it home and have cleaned it up a bit. Put the muffs on to check before first outing. Cranked, fired and started but strange sounding, I believe the starter is not disengaging. Tried a couple more times but no change. I also noticed that the gauges are not responding with the key in the run position. Tach did not return to 0 when I shut it off. I have the starter out and am looking for a place to take it for checking. Am I heading down the right path? Thanks a lot,

 

[Rivers125]

Re: 1989 3 liter starter won't disengage

I also just bought a 93 5.0 and am having same problem but no my starter is just spinning now won't turn motor over. Wonder if its a common problem.

 

[jbetzelb]

Re: 1989 3 liter starter won't disengage

Both of you could have a problem with the starter gear not engaging or disengaging like it should. It is commonly known and a starter drive or bendix spring. Bendix spring is really a brand name of a starter drive. If the starter drive is the problem it isn't real expensive or complex to repair.

 

[Sliver]

Re: 1989 3 liter starter won't disengage

More info,

Took the starter to an automotive place and it tested fine, engaged and disengaged. Put it back in, no change. Pulled the coil wire, turn to start and when released the starter keeps going. If I remove the purple and pink, (connected) wire from the back of the ignition switch then the starter acts normal, it disengages when the key goes back to run. Any thoughts? TIA

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 1989 3 liter starter won't disengage

could be a faulty key switch