Starter/bendix problems with 1997 75HP Tracker

[Laddies]

If it's the bendix thats worn and it usally is just install a new one or take it back to your mechanic and tell him what happened

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Starter/bendix problems with 1997 75HP Tracker

Manually rotate the bendix up the shaft and inspect the grooves in the starter shaft. Check for small nicks or burrs. If you see any, use a small file to smooth them. Clean the shaft with spray carb cleaner. Followed by a shot of spray silicone lubricant. Work the bendix up and down a few times. I've seen several Mercs where the bendix actually jams in the flywheel because it sticks at the very moment it starts to engage the flywheel.

 

[BigYeti]

Starter/bendix problems with 1997 75HP Tracker

Last year I began experiencing problems with the starter on my 1997 75HP Mercury Tracker. The bendix was spinning but not injecting up and engaging the flywheel. I asked a mechanic to take a look but he thought that it was a weak battery and didn't want me to bring the boat in to him. He suggested that I try starting off of my trolling battery to be sure. Same problem with that battery. I took off the starter and took it in to him and he connected a battery to it and saw the problem. He cleaned it, lubed it and gave it back to me. It worked fine for about 15 starts and then went back to the same problem.<br /><br />I found that the bendix was "catching" in the starter and by applying very light upward pressure under the bendix gear with a screwdriver it would free itself and I could start the motor and it would engage. It becomes "caught" about once every 5-6 starts and requires the screwdriver technique.<br /><br />Finally my question - can this starter be fixed (if so what must I do) or do I need a new starter? Secondly, what are the approximate costs for this?

 

[BigYeti]

Re: Starter/bendix problems with 1997 75HP Tracker

Thanks for the comments. The shaft appears to go into the starter housing just a little further than it should when it gets stuck. The light pressure from the screwdriver brings it up a small amount then it is free and injects into the flywheel. Would this indicate a worn bendix? How difficult is it to take apart the starter and inspect or replace the bendix?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Starter/bendix problems with 1997 75HP Tracker

No need to disassemble the starter to replace the bendix. Its on the end of the starter motor shaft.