Starter issue

[Tim63]

I am new to the forum and relatively new to boating, please take it easy on me if I am not clear or question seems trivial, thanks in advance. The boat has a 3.0L 4Cyl Mercruiser Starter spins but doesn't engage flywheel. Already bought and installed new starter, same result. I also turned prop while in drive to rotate flywheel, same result. Spins fast as it has new battery. I grounded the old starter, applied power to large terminal and it spun. Applied power to small terminal and Bendix kicked out but both didn't work at same time. Help!

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Starter issue

Welcome Tim....

Just a few questions....... What lead up to your old starter going bad?

Are you sure you have the correct new starter for your motor?

Just asking!

 

[Failproof]

Re: Starter issue

Sounds like starter is not engaging flywheel and/or teeth are worn off of ring gear.

 

[Tim63]

Re: Starter issue

Old starter went bad, engaged and bendix would not pull back. It was on boat when I bought it, so I have no idea how old it was. I bought cheap starter off eBay. That boat starter but wouldn't run while cold. I found choke blade was stuck. I cranked on starter after I apparently flooded it a little to long I think. After a while the starter spun like it wasn't hitting flywheel but no grinding like teeth were bad. I thought solenoid went bad so I bought starter and solenoid at the marina only to get same result with the new pricey one. Thanks for quick response

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Starter issue

Ok so the eBay starter turned the motor over and the motor started but wouldnt run becouse the choke would not open and then you kept trying to turn over the motor... till you burned up the eBay starter. Is this correct?

Something is telling me you have the wrong Marina starter or your ring gear is missing teeth.
Pull the spark plugs out and try to see if motor turns over.

 

[Tim63]

Re: Starter issue

Starters, I believe are all the same. At least, they are visually identical. Does the starter motor and solenoid both engage with the same voltage supply? There are two wires.

 

[Tim63]

Re: Starter issue

Thanks 81 Checkmate, I will remove starter that is on boat to check flywheel Friday morning. I would think I should have heard some noise if it's broken/loose.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Starter issue

Yes same voltage. They are the same in a design way..... but the tolence difference is not the same.

One starter bendix may come out at a different length and so on.... gears different size and so on.... may need to be shimed so gears mesh corectly and so on....

Yes pull if off and take it to a auto parts place and have them check it to see if it works.

 

[Tim63]

Re: Starter issue

Pulled starter off engine, hooked jump box and bendix didn't kick out. Tried eBay starter, it did kick out. I put eBay starter back on boat, turned the ignition, engine turned over a little, then back to starter spinning free. There is 12.36 volts at the battery and the solenoid. Help!!!