1984 Evinrude 35 HP-- Starter Drive Assembly Question

riccini · #1 January 22nd, 2006, 03:01 AM

Yesterday, as we were about to set out for a morning duck hunt, the starter for my Evinrude 35 HP (E35 E CR R) just spun. When I opened the cowl, I noticed the drive assembly gear sproket did not engage the flywheel, it just spun in place. With a socket wrench, turning the top nut, while holding the gear, I could manually raise the assembly to engage.

Do I need an entire starter motor assembly or can this be fixed by replacing other components. I looked at the parts list and assumed replacement of the Drive Assembly (0321648) would fix the problem, but was not sure. Any advice appreciated.

PS- Those old motors are amazing-- was able to pull start on second try in sub freezing weather so we salvaged the trip.

muskrat · #2 January 22nd, 2006, 03:13 AM

check battery condition,battery cable condition.check voltage when cranking???

riccini · #3 January 22nd, 2006, 03:18 AM

Thanks for the quick reply. The battery was weak so I replaced it with freshly charged battery. Same problem. I did not check voltage, but cables and connections are all very good.

muskrat · #4 January 22nd, 2006, 04:28 AM

how do you know the battery is any good.with a volt meter check battery voltage at battery should be at lease 11.5 or 12v than crank and observe voltage,should only drop one or two volts.

rickdb1boat · #5 January 22nd, 2006, 04:33 AM

Try a few drops of oil on the pinion gear shaft.. If no go, replace the Drive Assembly.

tashasdaddy · #6 January 22nd, 2006, 04:43 AM

wd 40 works wonders

riccini · #7 January 22nd, 2006, 10:05 AM

Thanks to those who replied. Battery tested OK. Applied liberal amounts of WD 40 and Boeshield. That did the trick.

rickdb1boat · #8 January 22nd, 2006, 10:16 AM

Glad to hear it...

Joe Reeves · #9 January 22nd, 2006, 10:23 AM

Just as a follow up to those that may encounter this type problem whereas the starter spins properly but the bendix will not raise to engage the flywheel teeth........

Grease, oil, any lubricant of that type collects dirt, resulting in a binding action. Keep that bendix drive clean..... and as above, obviously WD40 cures the problem.