some opinion from the Force experts ??smoke

[giorgos8888]

After 11 months I try to start my 90 hp 1992 Force .Unfortunately i put the key in switch but I forgot to click the snap(the other end of the red cord).So after first 20 sec trials where starter was working engine was turning but not start of course ,i saw small white smoke coming up once and disappeared fm the side of the starter (engine's port side) .I don't know exactly fm where because i am out of the boat in the parking ,boat on treyler and i stay at the starboard side .Second trial after 40 sec approx.but the same results.After 30 secs more trials and this happened about 6 times .No result .At the 5th or 6th trial again small smoke as 1st time .I fed up and start to pick up everything in order to leave.When i took out the key i found out that all that time i didn't connect the snap.I connect immediately, and after two more trials she start and working perfectly .Do you think that i made some damage somewhere?? What was that smoke when i was trying to start without the snap ??Because i am planning to go to the open sea at weekend!
Thanks in advance
George

 

[pnwboat]

Re: some opinion from the Force experts ??smoke

Sounds like you may have heated up the starter. As far as damage......it's hard to say. If you want to really play it safe, replace it. On the other hand, it may last for years. If you're going to sea, I'd definitely bring a piece of rope long enough to wrap around the flywheel a couple of times with a wooden handle tied to it to pull start the motor if need be. I always carry one on my boat "just in case".