Starter bendix will not stay engaged

Jlockler

Cadet
Joined
Jul 12, 2020
Messages
20
Motor is an 89 25 hp. Bendix only engages flywheel for about 1 second sometimes 2. I've lubed the shaft and cleaned connections. It has only recently started doing this. What is odd is I did a compression check and when the spark plugs were pulled the bendix would stay engaged as long as I had the key turned. But as soon as the plugs were replaced it was back to 1 second. Compression was good at around 90 psi on each cylinder btw.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,274
check your starter connections, including where it bolts to the starter
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Check battery and cables connections. It probably is cranking slow because of low voltage.
 

Jlockler

Cadet
Joined
Jul 12, 2020
Messages
20
I just noticed the battery the motor is hooked up to is a deep cycle and not a cranking battery. Could this be the problem? Cold crank is 750 amps which should be more than enough for a small 2 stroke but it just doesn't seem right.
 
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