possibly need a new bendix gear?

[cerikson3698]

I have a 1991 115 hp johnson o/b. When I go to start the motor the bendix gear spins and does not go up and engage the fly wheel. I put a new battery in with same result. The bendix gear is really really worn. If I manually spin the bendix gear up to engage the fly wheel then turn the key the motor starts right up. Do I need a new bendix gear and if so where would I find one.
thanks so much for your help

 

[bankerjohn]

Re: possibly need a new bendix gear?

Have you tried putting a couple drops of oil on the starter shaft? You do have the battery cables connected + to starter (solenoid), - to ground, don't you? (Connected backwards will prevent the bendix from spinning UP!)

The drive assembly (bendix) for your starter can be bought separately from the starter ... it's about $28.

 

[cerikson3698]

Re: possibly need a new bendix gear?

thanks john I will try the oil hopefully that will work

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: possibly need a new bendix gear?

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

 

[freddyray21]

Re: possibly need a new bendix gear?

probably not the battery but a dirty starter shaft as noted. those are centrifigal and if you clean the shaft and bendix and oil them it will probably work.