1998 Merc 200 EFI Starter is spinning but not engaging?

T

terrymoose14

Recruit
Joined
Feb 26, 2011
Messages
4
My starter just spins and does not engage into the flywheel? How do I troubleshoot this? 1998 Merc 200 EFI
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 1998 Merc 200 EFI Starter is spinning but not engaging?

First, clean the shaft that the Bendix gear slides up on. WD-40 is good for that. Then give it a few drops of light oil. 3in1 is okay, but Singer sewing machine oil is better.

Give her a try.

If she still merely spins without engaging the flywheel, remove and clean all connections in the big battery cables.

Let us know what you get.
 
T

terrymoose14

Recruit
Joined
Feb 26, 2011
Messages
4
Re: 1998 Merc 200 EFI Starter is spinning but not engaging?

JB, I dropped some WD-40 on the shaft along will some oil and nothing. I cleaned all battery post and connectors and still nothing? Let me ask a question....if I put the kill switch to OFF and try to start it, it does the exact same thing? Thank you for the advice....

Im in crisis mode tonight, my uncle in coming in town and were supposed to be on Guntersville Lake tomorrow morning.
 
Superjetjim

Superjetjim

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 5, 2010
Messages
246
Re: 1998 Merc 200 EFI Starter is spinning but not engaging?

If you apply 12v directly to the terminals on the starter does it engage? (use jump leads or similar from your battery) - if its OK work back from there.. This will tel you if your starter/bendix is toast or if its electrical elsewhere.

Jim
 
jerryjerry05

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,196
Re: 1998 Merc 200 EFI Starter is spinning but not engaging?

Weak battery.Cables on backwards.Bad bendix.Take it to any auto zone or parts store they can bench test it.
Profile?? U might be close to someone who can help.
Sent U a PM.J
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top