4.5 Mercury starter (pull) wont engage

[scottrn]

Hi guys, I just picked up a nice little 4.5 Mercury. I haven't dug into it at all yet but I did notice the pull starter is mounted in the top cover and when you pull it the little teeth that ought to come out to engage the flywheel don't move. All parts move freely, just no engageing of the teeth. Can I 'denastify' the assy intact? It looks gunked up with some thick grease. I'm afraid to disassemble the assy because the coil spring might go flying then I be in deep for sure! It sat for about 2 years but had no problems prior to that. Also, where would I go for a manual, and what brand is recommended?
Thanks much,
Scott


*EDIT* I'm at work so no numbers but I will post them when I get home tonight. I'm guessing 74-75 due to the blue stripe.

 

[Laddies]

Re: 4.5 Mercury starter (pull) wont engage

That is a common problem with that type starter, the grease gets hard and prevents the friction plate from engaging the dogs. Use most any type of solvent and remove as much of the hard grease then lube it with oil or lite grease and you should be good to go.