Re: Yamaha 8 starter won't come all the way up and engage flywheel
You could have a bit of corrosion or dirt on the starter shaft also. I just went out to see how mine worked. With the battery disconnected, try turning the starter gear clockwise with your fingers. The gear should turn on the shaft and rise up the shaft to engage the flywheel. If the gear and shaft turn together, the gear won't rise up and you will need to free them up.