[Evinrookie]

I recently purchase a boat with a 67 80 HP Evinrude Speedifour. The first time I took it out to the lake I didn't even get off the trailer. Due to a loose wire on the fuel pump I ended up draining my battery and flooding the engine. After a change of plugs the engine still wouldn't start until I got a little help from this forum when I was told to oil the bendix and give it a few turns by hand. Started right up! Now back at the lake to drop it off so I could get my trailer weighed, the engine ran long enough for me to pull away from the dock and park her near the shore so I could do the trailer thing.
When I got back the thing refused to start and it seemed like the battery was dead again. I replaced the old battery (900 Cranking Amps; 720 CCA) with a new one (875 CA; 675 CCA). Still nothing. I then notice that the starter was spinning but the gear was not moving up to engage the flywheel. The starter drive gear and shaft all seem to be well oiled. I need to know what else would cause the gear to not move. Is it a battery, starter, solenoid, or even cut-out switch problem? If it's the starter, does anyone know where I can get one and what the part number is?
Please help.
Thanks.

[jtexas]

decribe "seemed like the battery was dead" - low voltage at the starter is one thing that keeps the bendix from rising to engage the flywheel.

97.3% of electrical problems on boats can be solved by cleaning and tightening the connections. Lots of folks never know it because the process of replacing perfectly good parts usually accomplishes the cleaning & tightening. Battery to solenoid to starter, make 'em tight-tight-tight and polish 'em till they shine. I use a dremel with a stainless steel wire brush.

if you have a multimeter you could start by measuring the voltage at the starter cable terminal end (starter disconnected) with the key turned over to "start" - if you get within half a volt of the battery open circuit voltage and the starter won't spin up fast enough to engage, starter needs rebuild.

almost forgot, that shaft shouldn't be oiled so much that oil runs down the shaft into the motor. also, use a light oil (I use 3in1), not grease, not a spray.

just found your duplicate post from this morning........what a waste of time.