[bd28]

i have an 1989 30hp evenrude when i turn the key the starter spins but the drive gear that will turn the motor doesn't engage wondering if drive gear was bad and if anybody knows how to get it off

[bktheking]

Is the battery in the boat good, connections going to the starter good, have you bench tested the starter off the boat. The drive gear probably isn't bad, sounds like a power issue.

[tashasdaddy]

couple of drops of oil, on the bendix, then turn the gear up by hand. also 90% of the time it is not the starter.

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

[bd28]

i put some penatrating oil on gear and let it sit overnight then tried to start had no problems gear went up and down with no hesitation then a added some 3in1 oil on shaft and gear seems to be working alright is that a normal problem how often should i oil the shaft

[tashasdaddy]

just a slight bit of oil, every time you winterize. it probably has not been done in 20 years.