96 mariner starting issues

[jimr]

I have a 96 mariner 90 elpto and the Bendix gear was trashed when I got it. I put a new one on but it just doesn't seem like it wants to crank over fast enough and It wouldn't start at all this evening when I was ready to come home. I found a loose connection on the solenoid and It is getting replaced due to it just didn't tighten properly in my mind. the new Bendix never has returned to bottom I suspect a bad starter armature also. BUT when it is acting up it is like the timing is out other times it whirls right over and fires right up. I haven't messed with outboards too much any ideas.

 

[ondarvr]

Loose connects and/or a bad starter can act like that. Check all connects closely and make sure they're clean before buying a starter or anything else.

 

[DavidMoore]

+1

Also.
There's no drain hole in the starter, 20+ years of condensation can lead to corrosion issues. It's amazing the difference stripping and cleaning the starter from all that carbon dust and corroded metal can do, and it's really rather easy to do. There's just 2 through bolts holding it all together.

For re-assembly I made a slot in the plastic from an old CD to hold the brushes in place whilst dropping in the armature. There are alignment marks (not easy to see but they are there) to make sure it all goes back together correctly, get black bit upside down and the starter will spin backwards. I know this for a fact. :facepalm:

 

[DavidMoore]

CD case that is, not CD

 

[jimr]

I got a new starter and solenoid and all is good with it for now.

 

[ondarvr]

It's always nice when someone checks back in with an update, thanks.