Starter problem OMC with Chevy 350

[subcrx]

I have an 87 Bayliner with an OMC cobra setup. The engine is a Chevy 350. Recently I replaced the starter. Now at times when I try to start it the starter just free spins as if its never catching the flywheel. I inspected the flywheel and starter and they look ok. However I did notice on the starter bendix that the teeth barely grab the flywheel. The It plunges out all the way but the gear is just not fully touching every time as if the bendix gear is not large enough. Is it possible to install a larger bendix gear?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starter problem OMC with Chevy 350

Ayuh,... I'd sooner think ya got a defective replacement...
No, there's no extra long bendix gears...

 

[subcrx]

Re: Starter problem OMC with Chevy 350

The bendix extends out all the way over the flywheel. I watched it. It's the gear that doesn't meet. There are no shims either.

 

[boobie]

Re: Starter problem OMC with Chevy 350

I'd say you got the wrong starter. Was this a marine replacement or did you get it at an auto parts house??

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Starter problem OMC with Chevy 350

The bendix extends out all the way over the flywheel. I watched it. It's the gear that doesn't meet. There are no shims either.

How were you able to watch it?

 

[120_i/o]

Re: Starter problem OMC with Chevy 350

Like bruceb58 said, how were you able to see it??
Only some brands, if at any at all come with shims these days. The shims are only there to increase the distance between the mesh of the pinion, and ring (flywheel) gear. In this case it sounds like its not a reach problem. For obvious reasons it would not be the ring gear, cause that department was not changed, but infact the starter was. I would guess the snout on the starter is wrong app., or not made to the right tolerance. If infact you were able to see what was going on????, I would return that for a different one, especially if its sold by a "parts chain store" as these are most likely tossed out the door at a rate of a whoppin 20 million a day, remand in mexico, and spun tested...not load tested, and in some cases poor fitment!!!!