bendix gear stuck up and not going back down

[cerikson3698]

I have a 70 hp evinrude outboard. We had it working for about a day. I have had the battery load tested and it is good. When we go to start the engine the bendix gear will spin the flywheel slowly a few times and then stop. It never goes down even when we are not trying to start the motor. Our boat is in the water and it is going to be very difficute to get out without a tow. I was wondering if there are any solutions to this problem that we could try in the water. I have read the thread with the bendix stuck down and am not sure if that is the same problem any advice will be great.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: bendix gear stuck up and not going back down

It is notmal for the bendix gear to stay engaged in the flywheel teeth until the engine starts. It is the sudden increase of the rpms as the engine starts and runs that throws the gear out of the flywheel teeth. The bendix return spring then keeps the bendix gear down and out of the way of the flywheel.

Your first course of action is to find out why that good battery is not cranking the engine properly. THe engine must turn over at least 300 rpm in order for the igniton to be energized.

Disconnect and clean all cables, then tighten them with wrenches and/or pliers. Do Not use your fingers on wing nuts if they exist.

With known good cables, temporarily connect the battery cables directly to the electric starter. If the start still cranks over slowly, then obviously the starter itself has a problem.

 

[ebry710]

Re: bendix gear stuck up and not going back down

I read your message and then saw your thread. I found another thread and said the following:

"Try lubricating it (the bendix) first.

With the key OFF.

Turn the starter drive bendix by hand. You will notice that it will "walk" up the shaft when turning it one way and not the other.

While turning it, lubricate it with WD-40."

http://www.outboardmotor.biz/t/007716.html

This is easy, so I hope this also will help.

 

[F_R]

Re: bendix gear stuck up and not going back down

I think we have already answered this question for you in your previous inquiries. Get your thoughts off the bendix. That is not the problem. The problem is that the starter is not cranking the engine. Fix that and your problem will be over.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: bendix gear stuck up and not going back down

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad