Re: starter question 71/50hp
It didnt get wedged, it probably just wasnt spinning fast enough to turn the flywheel due to a poor connection or faulty wiring as stated. The starter shaft has a groove in it that wraps around the shaft in a spiral manner. Protrusions inside the bendix ride in this groove. When the starter spins, the rotational force of the shaft causes the bendix to rise up that spriral. Therefore, the bendix locks in one direction so when it engages the flywheel, the flywheel turns. When the engine fires, the flywheel causes the bendix to spin faster than the starter so if you are a little late letting go of the key the bendix "free-wheels" to avoid damage. Normally however, just letting go of the key stops the starter and the bendix drops down the shaft. Check the shaft and groove for any burrs and file them smooth. Clean the shaft and groove and then assemble the bendix. Oil the bendix when through with bendix lube.
Testing the Positive Battery Cable to the Engine
1. Select the DC Volts position on the meter.
2. Connect the Red (Positive) lead on the meter to the positive battery POST.
3. Connect the Black (Negative) lead on the meter to the starter solenoid terminal where the positive battery cable is connected.
4. Using a remote start switch, activate the starter solenoid to spin the engine and observe the reading on the meter. A reading above 0.6V indicates a bad cable or bad connection.
(a) If the meter reads above 0.6V, move the Black lead on the meter to the positive battery cable terminal on the starter solenoid and retest. If the reading drops to below 0.6V, the cable connection is bad.
(b) If the meter still reads above 0.6V, move the Black lead on the meter to the positive battery cable terminal on the battery and retest. If the reading drops to below 0.6V, the cable is bad or undersized.
Service Note: A bad power connection to the ignition or battery charging system can be found by connecting the Black lead on the meter to the power connection of the ignition system or charging system; then working your way back to the battery positive post. At no time should you see a reading above 1V.
Testing the Negative Battery Cable to the Engine
1. Select the DC Volts position on the meter.
2. Connect the Black (Negative) lead on the meter to the negative battery POST.
3. Connect the Red (Positive) lead on the meter to the engine block where the negative battery cable is connected.
4. Using a remote start switch, activate the starter solenoid to spin the engine and observe the reading on the meter. A reading above 0.6V is an indicator of a bad cable or bad connection.
(a) If the meter reads above 0.6V, move the Red lead on the meter to the negative battery cable terminal on the engine block and retest. If the reading drops to below 0.6V, the cable connection is bad.
(b) If the meter still reads above 0.6V, move the Red lead on the meter to the negative battery cable terminal on the battery and retest. If the reading drops to below 0.6V, the cable is bad or undersized.
A bad ground connection to the ignition and battery charging system can be found by connecting the Red lead on the meter to the ground connection of the ignition or battery charging system; then working your way back to the battery negative post. At no time should you see a reading above 1V.
