1993 Bayliner 1953 3.0 l Mercury starting problem

[bcwaggy]

I have a 1993 Bayliner 1953 with a 3.0 liter Mercury motor in the boat. I am having problems starting the motor. When I turn the key it starts with no problem 4 out of 5 times but the 5th it does not seem to fully engage and I hear "winding/ grinning" sound. If I turn the key right off and try again it is ok and starts but if I do not turn it all the way off, it will "wind/ grind" again on the next attempt to start it. Is this a mad starter, Bad ring gear or both? Is the ring gear 2 piece? Any advise would be appreciated. I have worked on car and truck motors but this is my first inboard. People tell me it is the same as working on small car motors, did they tell the trueth?
Thank you
Terry

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1993 Bayliner 1953 3.0 l Mercury starting problem

Welcome to iboats!

Sounds like a bad spot on the flywheel, but it could be a problem with the starter Bendix. "People" are correct: you have a marinized Chevrolet engine.