1979 tower of power starter question

[johntho]

I'm working on what i think is a 1979 115 hp tower of power that is having running issues. It has a jet on it starts just fine but won't rev up. sort of sputters in midrange and can't get it up and going. if i use the kicker motor to get it moving at a decent speed it will sometimes rev up and pull ok. I don't think its ever been gone through. but my main question is should the starter be engaged with the flywheel when everything is off? Seems to me it should disengage when electrical power is off? Have not had the cowl off when cranking it yet but was hoping someone could enlighten me on this. Could the starter be staying engaged and that cause the rev problem?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
John

 

[racerone]

??---Starter should only be engaged when key is in the start / crank position.

 

[Chris1956]

Starter gear should "kick down" when motor fires. Starter should stop spinning when key is released to "run" position.

Your power issue sounds like dirty carbs.

 

[Silvertip]

Starter hang up indicates a bad ignition switch, sticky starter motor shaft/bendix, or incorrect starter solenoid wiring. As pointed out earlier, the starter must not remain engaged when the engine is running. At 6000 engine rpm the starter would be spinning at something like 30,000 rpm. Bits begin to get airborne at that speed.

 

[johntho]

So what I am understanding from all your replies is that my starter should not be engaged when the ignition is off and the battery is disconnected? Appreciate the tip on carbs - was planning on going thru them because it looks like the two bottom carbs at least need new gaskets where the attach to the intake as the paint on the intake is eaten away below them. Thanks for the quick responses to my questions.