I have a Mercury 150 Black Max 1984 model... When I try to start it the gear on the starter shaft won't rise into the flywheel. The starter motor spins quite fast but does not engage the flywheel. I took the starter off then removed the nut and thoroughly cleaned and lubricated the shaft and gear. Still no good. I removed the spring and it works... but I know the spring is supposed to push the gear back down when the starter is disengaged. Tried it in the yard a couple of times and each time when the engine caught it threw the gear back down the shaft. Also when the starter gear engages I noticed that there is some slippage in the gear... is this normal? I can't find a parts listing that shows any of these parts available short of buying the entire starter assembly - is this true?
