Starter bendix

kman61

Cadet
Joined
Mar 18, 2012
Messages
29
Hi. I have an Erude 88 that has developed recent starter issue that required my being towed in from sea. The starter bendix engages the flywheel but will not ALWAYS turn it over. Started no problem when I left the dock, nearly started it an hour after returning to the dock, but no luck in-between. The tow service captain hooked a booster to my batteries with no luck. He followed that with a boost direct to the starter with the same issue?no luck.
I did not have time to investigate further at the time but am heading back down to the boat (an hour away) today but I believe I noticed the starter shaft spinning while the pinion was engaged in the flywheel (yes, motor turns by hand pressure).
Having never had one of these starter apart yet, is it possible the bendix has failed to the point where what I believe I saw could actually happen? I will be first checking battries (both of them) voltage, performing voltage drop checks as described in ?Top Secret Files?, connections, etc. but am curious if what I think I saw is even a possibility.
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Starter bendix

The starter bendix gear actually has a clutch within it to absorb the shock of the "No Load" to instantaneous "High Load" when engaged.

You have described a failed clutch scenario if I read your post correctly, that is...... the starter armature shaft is turning within the bendix gear when the gear is engaged in the flywheel teeth.

If so, replace the bendix gear.
 

kman61

Cadet
Joined
Mar 18, 2012
Messages
29
Re: Starter bendix

Awesome! That is exactly the condition I observed. Never knew the bendix had a clutch within. Just so happens I have a new bendix on a 2nd non-working starter from a parts motor (long story). Will replace tonight. Thank You!!
 

kman61

Cadet
Joined
Mar 18, 2012
Messages
29
Re: Starter bendix

Just a follow up....new bendix solved my issue. Again, thank you much!
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Starter bendix

Wouldn't it be nice if all problems could be solved so easily? I think it has to do with the manner in which the problem is explained.
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: Starter bendix

Also, as an FYI - it's really not that hard to pull-start these crossflow V4s. Might save you a tow in the future.
 
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