1967 Johnson 80hp

[ahowler]

Pretty simple question I hope. So I have a starter problem. Hit the key get the high speed spinning, gear is not popping up and engaging. Friend said sounds like bendix spring? I have been searching with little luck for a bendix spring. I have the repair manual and it more less explains how to clean it when you have this problem after you run a few test. Any detailed fixes would be great. I saw one posting that said to lubricate shaft to fix the problem. Person necer responded back to say if that fixed it. Thanks for any help Jeff Wolf

[Joe Reeves]

If the starter is indeed spinning at its proper rpm and the bendix gear is also spinning, the problem is that someone has greased the bendix gear assembly. Grease attracts dirt, dirt results in binding. Clean the bendix gear assembly with WD40, a brush, and compressed air (do not re-grease it).

If on the other hand, the starter is spinning properly BUT the bendix gear is not, that usually indicates that the top gear of the starter armature has stripped which is big trouble. Lets hope it's just a grease/dirt problem.