[bcomer]

The drive on my starter sometimes does not engae properly (just whines). Therefore I am making an assumption that the drive is falling. When this happens on an automotive starter you can just chnage the drive unit if the starter and solinoid are good.Where can one buy just a bendix drive for these starters? I have found starters without drives and complete starters but not just the drives.

[dk990496]

Before going that far I would suggest you check your battery a low voltage battery will cause the bendex not to rise properly

[bcomer]

The problem is intermittent and occurred even after installing a new battery with clean cables and connects. Also lubed the bendix shaft with WD40. Problem still happens.Where can I buy just a bendix for this starter>

[Knightgang]

Put a meter on your battery cables and be sure they are not corroded inside. The ends can look nice and clean and be terrible about 1/2 way throught the cable. Having resistance in the cables will deduce the amount of juice going to the starter and could cause the BEndix not to engage.Not sure if you can buy just a Bendix for one of those starters. I would check the least expensive options twice before trying to find the Bendix or buying a new starter.Knightgang

[Joe Reeves]

The bendix drive can be purchased at any Evinrude/Johnson dealership, or possibly at NAPA, and also at third party suppliers such as Sierra.The OMC part number would vary depending on whether you have a Bosch or Prestolite starter as follows:Bosch = 386949 = Approx $20.00 (Available)Prestolite = 386102 (original #) superceeded to 391091 (Latest #) = Approx $60.00 if you can find one (Unavailable since 1998). Good luck.

[JasonB]

My '76 did the same thing. Every few turns of the key, he bendix would actually engage. Replaced it and all has been well since.

[bcomer]

Thnaks Jason. That is exactly what mine is doing. Sometimes it cranks right up and other times it may take as many as 10-15 turns of the key to finally get the drive to turn the motor.