Interesting Day, need input, 71, Merc 165

[system-f]

1971 merc 165 Type I drive.

We were doing about 25mph and ran aground. I killed the engine instantly, was mostly sand, but hit something hard enough to ding my brand new $550 stainless prop

Engine restarted but I killed it because we were too shallow.

Engine would NOT restart, only heard a "PING" noise of solinoid trying to engage.

Finally after about 30 attemps the ping sounded different and upon the next time I hit the starter it fired right up and ran perfectly.

I have pulled the drive:

1. Top gears look fine
2. Bellows 100% dry..brand new
3. New gimbal..looks great
4. Drive oil might have had a little water, I think the top cover o-ring is leaking (easy fix, no obvious leaks anywhere else, drive holds pressure)
5. Engine turns everytime I hit the starter now

Is it possible that the starter bendex was caught on the flywheel? I am pulling the starter to have it rebuilt. Ideas?

 

[system-f]

Re: Interesting Day, need input, 71, Merc 165

Pulled the starter. Bendix looks well used, Flywheel teeth look very good (inspected when I pulled the engine this winter).

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Interesting Day, need input, 71, Merc 165

The sudden stop may have allowed water to get into the engine .pull the plugs and check.

 

[system-f]

Re: Interesting Day, need input, 71, Merc 165

for the archives

Problem found and solved:

Just got the starter back from the shop:

Commutator was bad and had to be replaced

Rust was found in the starter and on the bendex shaft

Solinoid was sticking (due to rust) and was replaced.

Starter was resealed

Total cost: $82

It almost scared me how fast the starter now turns the motor over.