88 johnson starter motor

[mb466]

1988 Johnson 120 hp. when turning key to start the drive gear jumps up , the starter motor shaft spins but drive gear spins slow and hesitant . the drive gear gets hot. I am guessing there is some type of clutch in this drive gear. Can this drive gear be purchased and replaced or is it necessary to replace the whole starter motor?

[bhile]

Yes it can be replaced. It is called the starter bendix.