Starter won’t engage flywheel

[Bsites]

2001 Monterey 180 3.0 mercruiser. Boat was running great. Started boat on the ears at home before taking it out. Got to the water 2 hours later and the starter spins but does not engage the flywheel. So far I have replaced the starter, replaced the starter relay, by passed my battery cut off switch, and turned the motor over by hand to ensure it isn’t locked up. No changes at any point. Someone please give me a direction before I light it on fire. Thanks.

 

[tank1949]

2001 Monterey 180 3.0 mercruiser. Boat was running great. Started boat on the ears at home before taking it out. Got to the water 2 hours later and the starter spins but does not engage the flywheel. So far I have replaced the starter, replaced the starter relay, by passed my battery cut off switch, and turned the motor over by hand to ensure it isn’t locked up. No changes at any point. Someone please give me a direction before I light it on fire. Thanks.

Examine ring gear to see if teeth are still on flywheel. Trust me!

 

[stresspoint]

check the battery and terminals.

 

[Scott Danforth]

make sure the battery cable connections are clean and shiny enough your mother in law will eat off them

make sure the motor end of the cables are clean and shiny

if the battery cables are crunchy or green, replace them

make sure to test the battery

 

[kenny nunez]

The only other thing that can be the problem would be the flywheel ring gear has lost its tension on the flywheel. Very rare but it could be the problem. Remove the starter and check if the ring is loose.