[sperry]

I have a 1988, 70 hp VRO. My father took the boat out fishing and the starter did not engage the starter gear to the flywheel. It just stayed in the "down" position and spun. He manually screwed the shaft up until it engaged the flywheel and rotated the fly wheel till enough pressure existed to keep the starter shaft from retracting. Then he started the engine. When he got the boat home, he sprayed silicone lube on the shaft. We tried cranking the engine at various times for 2 weeks--never a problem. He took the boat out again and started and stopped the engine 5-10 times, but the same problem finally repeated. Is there an easy/ cheaper solution to this problem than buying a new starter for $220!

[KYHunter2]

Make sure you have a very good battery. All cables/ wires, and connections in good shape. Or that the charging system ,is working correctly. Kinda sounds like the battery is getting drawn down , and isnt sufficient, to operate starter. When it messes up again , connect a known good battery ,and see if it engages. If it does , then its either battery or charging system. Thats my guess anyway. Good Luck, KYhunter Oh, I forgot, DUH, you can take starter to auto parts, and have it tested. Still check the batt. and charging system.

[Silvertip]

The grooves in the starter shaft and the ridges on the bendix must be kept clean. So the bendix can rise and fall freely. If these are gunked up with grease you will experience the problem you are having. You don't need a new starter. If it needs repair your local auto electric shop (aka starter/generator/alternator shop) can do the job very reasonably.

[JB]

Common problem on the 70s.Take the ground cable off where it bolts to the block/bypass cover. Clean both connections and reinstall.Or you can go here: http://forums.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb...;f=36;t=000001 and troubleshoot the starter circuit.