Starter not engaging 1995 150 ocean pro

[crazy charlie]

My immaculate 150s starter decided not to engage and just whine/spin yesterday after a cruise.1st time ever.Glad I was home.I have a 2 battery system that is fully charged.Should I remove and troubleshoot or just replace it.My neighbor said it probably just needs to be lubed on top but he thinks lube fixes everything.
I believe it is original though it looks almost new like the rest of the motor.Thanks in advance Charlie

 

[kbait]

Re: Starter not engaging 1995 150 ocean pro

A shot of WD won't hurt anything..
Before you remove it, try jumping starter motor directly w/battery cables and known/good battery to make sure it's not a boat wiring/connection issue.

Good luck!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Starter not engaging 1995 150 ocean pro

Went to boat today and the starter worked perfectly.Started at least 10 times in a row.Let it run and after a while the starter didnt engage again.there is a cover on the flywheel and on the starter so lubricating is impossible without removing the starter.If im gonna remove it I guess I should replace it.Charlie

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Starter not engaging 1995 150 ocean pro

Turns out the starter was not the issue.The bendix needed replacement and the cover for the optical sensor had to be broken to be removed .For future reference,if the starter is spinning freely and strong by sound,then that eliminates the starter and points you to the bendix.Charlie

 

[boobie]

Re: Starter not engaging 1995 150 ocean pro

Did the gear on the bendix just stay down or did it come up and engage the flywheel and still just spin ??

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Starter not engaging 1995 150 ocean pro

It stayed down,so the starter spun nice and strong but it wasnt turning anything but itself.Charlie

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Starter not engaging 1995 150 ocean pro

Did you try lubricating the starter motor shaft? Often when this happens that's the entire problem. My engine manual isn't with me right now so I can't look up the recommended lubricant, but as I remember it's a light grease and it just takes a very little bit.

 

[reiddo1]

Re: Starter not engaging 1995 150 ocean pro

Did you try lubricating the starter motor shaft? Often when this happens that's the entire problem. My engine manual isn't with me right now so I can't look up the recommended lubricant, but as I remember it's a light grease and it just takes a very little bit.

Just a further note, do not use a lubricant spray for fear that the lubricant will contact the bending drive clutch. If that happens, your bendix might engage but the flywheel will probably not turn. Lubricate the helix of the bendix with a lithium lubricant by applying with your fingers if possible.