Bendix not spinning up

[lncoop]

I have a 2001 90 hp Merc. Spent the day on the lake and everything was great. Then, after a pretty long run, mostly at WOT, I killed the motor and drifted for five or so minutes. After that I turned the key to start the motor and the bendix would suddenly not spin up the shaft. I could pry/jiggle it then have my wife turn the key and it would then spin up the shaft and engage the flywheel. I got gas at the marina and again had to coax it halfway up the shaft before it would spin up. After the boat was loaded I turned the key once more and it spun right up and started the motor. What gives? Do I just need to oil the shaft? I'm certain the starter is getting plenty of juice to spin the bendix like it's supposed to. Help please.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bendix not spinning up

Okay, I just put a couple drops of penetrating oil on the shaft and spun the bendix by hand a few times. I could feel it kind of relax a little bit on the shaft the first time I moved it and it got smoother every time. Then, I pulled the plug wires and turned the key six or eight times and the bendix spun up and engaged every time, so hopefully that's all she needed. Fingers are crossed, but I think that was the ticket.