2005 Mercury 200 2 stroke weird starter problem

[mukiboats]

I apologize in advance. similair questions ave been answered several different times. The only reason I am asking is none of the scenarios are exactly what is happening to me. So when I go to start my engine, the very first time, the starter engages and turns the engine as designed. If it doesn't start and I try it again, it engages the flywheel but does not turn it. Instead the shaft just spins without turning the gear.Also, when I stop turning the engine over the gear never disconnects from the flywheel. I have to turn the engine by hand to get it to pop down. If I let it sit for about 4 hours it will crank once normally before reverting back to problem. Batteris are good, and I wire brushed all the connections on battery and starter. I don't mind buying a new starter if that's what I need, but I just wanted to see if that what my symptoms are pointing to.

 

[Teamster]

Try a little wd-40 on the shaft,....Sounds like the gear is sticking.

 

[mukiboats]

Thank you very much. I ended up buying some carb/choke cleaner. I cleaned the entire Bendix gear really good. Then I applied some Boeshield T-9 waterproof lubrication to penetrate the starter. Then I doused the entire starter mechanism and flywheel in white lithium grease. Not only did that fix my problem, but it starts better than ever. Thanks again.

 

[Silvertip]

As all that grease becomes contaminated with dirt, oil and age you will be back cleaning it again. More is not always better.