1985 20HP Evinrude OB starter problems.

I have a '85 20HP Evinrude, model# E 20EL COS, the starter bendix got stuck under the flywheel. I was able to unjamm the bedix then a few days later the bendix would not engage, but the starter had good rpms. I played with it a bit and was able to work the bedix up and down and it now functions but the bendix head (gear)is chewed up. I was told , by a friend, that I should take the bendix off and clean the shaft and lube it up. My actual questions is: How do I get the bendix off? The 11/16 nut on top is too tight and the whole starter shaft turns around. When , and if, I do get it off how and with what should I clean the shaft and wad do I lube it up with? Can I but just the bendix/kit or do I have to buy a whole new starter? Any info./input would be great. Thank you.

Re: 1985 20HP Evinrude OB starter problems.

Welcome to iboats.<br />If the gear is not too bad just spray the shaft with wd40 or a light sewing machine oil and see if it works. If not then take it to a shop that rebuilds starters and alternators so they can do it right. Shouldn't cost much.

Re: 1985 20HP Evinrude OB starter problems.

If you have an old pair if shoe's around cut the tunge of one.<br /><br />Then take a pair of vice grips and the leather and clamp down hard on the bendix shaft, remove the nut, being sure not to mark up the shaft.<br /><br />Get a new bendix gear. If its chewed up very much it will eventualy ruin you flywheel rack.<br /><br />To clean the bendix shaft, use carb cleaner and blow off crud with air hose.<br /><br />Relubricater with wd40 or other light weight oil.<br /><br />never use grease on the bendix shaft.

Re: 1985 20HP Evinrude OB starter problems.

You might save yourself a lot of frustration by just unbolting the starter and bringing it into a shop for rebuilding. Look for an independent shop that rebuilds marine and automotive starters and alternators -- maybe $125 for a complete rebuild, and could be less. Another alternative is simply to purchase a new or rebuilt unit, and bolt it on yourself.