Bendix stops at top of travel, starter still spins

[john from md]

1985 85hp

Started spring check up today and, while checking compression, found this problem. The bendix will spin up but stop spinning at the top of its travel. The starter continues to turn at this point.

I pulled the starter and find that the benix is well engaged in the starter gear until it comes to the top of its movement when it contacts the upper bearing on the shaft. I have two questions.

1. Can I shim the upper bearing down or add a washer under it to keep the bendix from coming up so high. I suspect there is some wear of the bendix teeth near the bottom.

2. What is the thread direction of the starter shaft nut and how do I restrain the shaft from turning when removing it. I can use padded vise grips if that will work.

Thanks in advance for the help.

John

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Bendix stops at top of travel, starter still spins

The top nut screws down regularly, clockwise. Some starters have deformed nuts and some have nylock nuts. The deformed nuts are very difficult to turn. PAD the teeth of the bendix gear and grab with a water pump pliers-- you know, those big things with 5 or 6 steps in them. The nut is usually 5/8.

You MAY be able to screw down the nut some more but there is a step in the shaft that stops it. Push the upper collar down and see if the nut is fully seated.You can shim the upper collar down BUT doing so reduces the amount of the teeth in contact with the ring gear so you need to be careful. If the Helix on the starter shaft is not worn but the bendix is, a new bendix will cure the problem, Fer Shur.

It may be a reach, but double check to see if the starter is fully seated in the cast mount. If not fully seated, it will be too low, allowing the bendix to ride too high on the helix.

 

[john from md]

Re: Bendix stops at top of travel, starter still spins

Frank,

It turns out that the Bendix is shot. The inner part is spinning in the outer part. I am going to mash it together on my press enough to do my timing and compression checks.

I took the starter apart and it appears to be original equipment. I decided to buy one from a guy called starter1 or something like that. He has new starters for $86 post paid.

I checked Iboats but the best price they had was $125 plus shipping.

Hopefully my 10 ton press will be able to squash the Bendix enough so I don't have to wait for the new one to do my checks. Especially since I leave for OKC Tuesday for a 10 day trip.

Regards,

John

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Bendix stops at top of travel, starter still spins

I was just thinking about the over-rideing clutch slipping. You may be able to squeeze it and gain some service but I was never that lucky. It occurs to me that super glue may penetrate it and lock it up again.

$86 for a starter is not bad at all. Is that a straight purchase or do you need to return the core?

 

[john from md]

Re: Bendix stops at top of travel, starter still spins

I was able to squash the bendix enough to use in my checks. I also ordered a new starter from 14rebuilders, a seller on ebay with a excellent feedback.

John

 

[john from md]

Re: Bendix stops at top of travel, starter still spins

Straight purchase. It was $74 plus $12 for shipping. I thought it was a pretty good deal.

I was able to squash the clutch enough to work for timing tests but I couldn't check compression as it still slipped. Oh well, I've got most of the spring set up done, I'll just finish when I get back from Ok City.

John

 

[J2theGriff]

Re: Bendix stops at top of travel, starter still spins

Well, I'm a newbie and I have to tell ya'...this forum is great! I have recently inherited a 1993 Tidecraft Wildfire F/S 115 w/90 Force O/B fom my brother whom is a lifetime mariner...thanks bro..anyway , every question I can come up with, you guys have the answers or will work until you find them...the starter issue was the ringer...I was concerned the rig was already 16 yrs old and should definitely expect some things to start going wrong, and they did! I found the answers here on iboats, Thanks everyone!

I am just recently getting all the documentation taken care of for the vessel and engine, so again, I'm just getting started....well, as soon as I get a new bendix anyway! Griff

 

[john from md]

Re: Bendix stops at top of travel, starter still spins

There is a guy on ebay who sells Bendixs for @ $25.

John