Starter question

[belray]

I have a 1987 200 hp black max and when I start it, sometimes the starter will engage for a second and then the gear disengages and the starter motor free wheels. It usually does this a couple of times and then the motor starts but it is happening more now. Do I have to replace the whole starter or just the bendix gear to fix this? Thanks in advance for your replys.

 

[Dukedog]

Put a touch of light machine oil on it till ya get a new bendix. Make sure tha start battery is up ta snuff.........

 

[CharlieB]

Clean all battery cable ends, bright and tight. Including the starter cable.

The drive rely s on inertia to 'throw' or 'screw' the drive up the starter shaft. You must have GOOD battery current to get it up and hold it there.

 

[belray]

Thanks guys. I'm going to check all that was suggested.

 

[belray]

Thanks guys. I'm going to check all that was suggested.