A question about starters

[belray]

I have a 1987 200 hp black max and when I start it, sometimes the starter will engage for a second and then the gear disengages and the starter motor free wheels. It usually does this a couple of times and then the motor starts but it is happening more now. Do I have to replace the whole starter or just the bendix gear to fix this? Thanks in advance for your replys.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Sometimes that is indicative of dirty electrical connections or a weak battery. First thing I would do is clean all my electrical terminals from the battery to the starter. Wires on the solenoid to. Yeah, speaking of solenoids it could be the contacts inside that also. Bendix won't work properly if the starter motor isn't reaching full speed. Then again it might be the starter motor or bendix. If I have to replace a starter I always put everything in new, motor, bendix and solenoid. JMHO

 

[Chris1956]

Belray, That situation happens when your motor fires, but does not start. The starter is supposed to kick out the bendix gear and freewheel, whenever the motor fires. It is usually the result of the motor not starting fast enough, usually due to being slightly out of tune, or insufficient choking.

Checking the electrical connections, may help a bit, but I would do more testing before replacing starter components.