Starter/flywheel alignment

[DMT78]

Newbie question I guess: I was running(connected to flusher) my 1999 Yamaha 115hp outboard, when I heard a loud PING sound. Motor kept running but when I tried to start the motor again it wouldn't turn over and sounded like starter wouldn't engage the flywheel properly. I looked at the pinion gear on the starter and it is not aligned with the flywheel, shouldn't it be? <br /><br />Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: Starter/flywheel alignment

It has to be to work properly.

 

[DMT78]

Re: Starter/flywheel alignment

What should I do to correct this problem?

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: Starter/flywheel alignment

Be sure the starter is bolted securely to the block and nothing is broken there. Then check to be sure the flywheel is not moving sideways due to a bad main bearing. lubricate the shaft the starter gear goes up and down on to be sure it moves freely.