Starter Problem 1986 Mercruiser/470

[Erie Canal Boater]

My starter seems to acting up. works when it wants to. I have done all the tests on the slave solenoid and battery they are fine. When I loosen the starter from the engine wiggle it and then tighten back up the starter starts working again. I'm thinking that the pinion gear is getting stuck in the out postion and when I wiggle the starter it returns. Anyone have this happen to them any solutions other than buying a new starter?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starter Problem 1986 Mercruiser/470

I'm thinking that the pinion gear is getting stuck in the out postion and when I wiggle the starter it returns.

Ayuh that's the case,... Do you Hear it return,..??..??

Is it making,+ breaking it's Ground path,..??

 

[Erie Canal Boater]

Re: Starter Problem 1986 Mercruiser/470

Ayuh that's the case,... Do you Hear it return,..??..??
I dont know what sound to listen for.
Is it making,+ breaking it's Ground path,..?? Not sure what you mean here? please explain

Bottom line is it time for a new starter?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starter Problem 1986 Mercruiser/470

Ayuh,....

The Bendix drive is spring loaded,... if it's hanging,...
You should hear it spring back when you loosen the Starter....

The Starter has Only (+) Positive wires going to it,...
It's Grounded(-) thru the starter body, thru the engine block, thru the Ground Wire back to the Battery to complete the Circuit....

Soo,....
If the Bendix is Hanging,... You should Hear it retract....
And,...
A Brand New Starter won't work without a Complete Electrical Circuit......

Can't answer the Bottom Line Question yet,...
'cause you haven't completed the Diagnosis.....

 

[Erie Canal Boater]

Re: Starter Problem 1986 Mercruiser/470

Yes it springs back when I loosen the strater.

I clened all connections ground is fine.

Went out today was fine. Until I have to turn engine over for extended period of time to start.
Then it hangs up i believe; because it works once I loosen wiggle an tighten again.
What position should the starter be tightened in Close counter clock wise to engine or all the way back cloclwise or in between. The manuals I have seen say nothing as to the position.
I appreciate all the advice.