[25 Pursuit of Happiness]

Hello, I'm new to the site and will appreciate your help. I have a 97 150 Evinrude Ficht with newer powerheads. The starter is turning but does not turn the motor, I pulled the starter out thinking it was like a car starter with a bendix, but it doesn't seem to be...it just turns. How does it engage the flywheel on the motor? Is there a clutch there? Am I missing something here? What part do I need to buy? Thanks for any advice.

[bhile]

The bendix engages the flywheel from centrifigal force. Clean and lightly lube the shaft it rides on. If it is going all the way up and engaging the flywheel but still not turning it, then it needs to be replaced. Also be sure all battery connections are clean and tight and the battery is in good condition..

[Fl_Richard]

Up inside the flywheel cavity is the real bendix. The starter is removable seperately if it's like my 95

[25 Pursuit of Happiness]

I checked the cables and actually ran jumper cables from a good battery to the motor (including making sure the starter was properly grounded.) I have twin outboards on the boat and the other motor starts right up. I have the starter in my hand...well I just set it on the table, and the gear cannot slide more than a 1/16" of an inch, unless the whole shaft slides from inside the motor, and it doesn't seem to move in or out. After I pulled the starter I tested it and it spins OK, but certainly does not eject. Any ideas?If the bendix is inside the flywheel cavity, how does it engage the teeth of the flywheel? There is a gear with 11 teeth at the end of the starter.