1994 Evinrude 30 HP starter problems

I searched for this have not had any luck.

Hopefully someone smarter than me is lurking here...

I have a 1994 Evinrude 30HP outboard.
The starter is getting actuated but is not pushing the gear into the flywheel.
I have cleaned and tightened all battery connections.
I have even used jumper cables and run power straight from the battery to the
starter, bypassing the solenoid all together.

I can tell it has been doing this for a little while, there are a couple of teeth on the flywheel that have the bottom portion of the tooth broken off.
I assume this is from not engaging all the way.

I have checked on a new starter. Darn things aren't cheap.

First question, Does this sound like the starter like I think it does?
Next, how hard is it to replace the starter, I don't have a service manual, yet.

Thanks for lurking,

Chris

Re: 1994 Evinrude 30 HP starter problems

Assuming the bendix is moving smoothly on its shaft, the reason for this behavior is that the starter motor isn't spinning up quickly enough. Assuming a fully charged, known-good battery, you've ruled out everything except the starter motor.

Those motors are not too complicated -- I once resolved a problem by taking it apart, blowing out the carbon dust and reassembling, no new parts, no problem. You might need a new brush set.

Or if you don't want to tackle it yourself, an automotive starter/alternator shop can rebuild it way cheaper than buying new.

Re: 1994 Evinrude 30 HP starter problems

j,
I did not think about having it rebuilt.
Thats a good idea.
I will look into taking it apart and cleaning it first.

Thanks for your input..

Chris