1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

[gregmercer]

I have a problem with my starter, at about 3/4 throttle, the starter likes to pop and and grind again the flywheel. At first, I thought it was a short in a wire somewhere but after doing some investigation I couldn't find one. To make sure, a removed the positive wire to the starter and sure enough, it is still doing it. I just bought the motor used so I don't know much about its history, but if I had to guess I would say the starter has been replaced in the past 5 years. It doesn't look as old as the rest of the motor.

Any ideas what the problem is? I thought maybe that spring was just worn out but I tried holding the starter gear down with my finger and it pushes up pretty hard, I don't think just a new spring could fix it.... I'm stumped, please someone help! THANKS!

 

[david_r]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

have you checked your ignition switch?

12v power is the only thing that would make that starter engage.


heres a wiring diagram
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/wireColorCode.html

and heres a ignition sw diagram
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/ignitionSwitch.html


a new switch is a whole lot cheaper than a starter.

forgot one
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/electricStart.html

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

some one could have put the bendix together wrong, the gear (bendix) works on centrifical force. the starter motor (looking down at it)turn counter clockwise, and this forces the bendix gear up into the flywheel, engaging and turning the flywheel clockwise, as soon as the flywheel turns faster than the starter, the gear drops out.

that is why is said, in the other post that the starter has to be engaging to throw the gear up. but if the bendix was together wrong, possible???

 

[gregmercer]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

I checked and the starter pinion gear is turning counter clockwise and is engaging/disangaging correctly when I start the motor.

When I removed the positive wire from the starter (after starting it) it still does the same thing. Is there somewhere else the starter could get the positive electrical feed from? to engage while the motor is running....

Question: If I disconnect the battery after starting it, could the starter motor get power from the alternator? or is this a way I could test forsure to see if the starter motor is engaging?

THANKS FOR EVERYONES HELP!

 

[gregmercer]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

This is probably a longshot but could it be possible for the flywheel magnents to pull up that starter pinion gear due to a weak spring?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

never disconnect battery when running, can damage electronics. the starter only operates thru the battery cable coming from the solenoid. you may have a screwey solenoid. make sure the wires going to the 2 small post are not touching, or shorting out, somewhere. they are what actvates the solenoid, to send power to the starter.

 

[gregmercer]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

I just checked again and the starter still pops-up when I completely disconnect the positive wire from the starter. Unless there is some way for the starter to get power besides that big wire I'm stumped how its getting power???

Is there someway there is just enough vibration to turn the starter?

Or anyway the magnents in the flywheel are pulling the starter pinion towards the flywheel?

I know these are longshots but at this point I'm considering anything. Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

greg is the pinion coming all the way down?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

How does the spring look on the starter gear? If its still doing it with no power to the starter the only other alternative is vibration from the engine is causing the gear to walk up the shaft.
Never heard of it before but its a thought...

 

[gregmercer]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

I'm pretty sure the pinion is coming all the way down, to my inexperienced eye the spring looks OK but I don't know for sure...

Here is a picture of the starter in the down position...

I've also taken a video of the problem, as you can see the starter pinion starts to vibrate back and forth then jumps up and grinds against the flywheel, it stays up like that if I don't let off the throttle... here's the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJTwIHvHAVo

 

[david_r]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

wow new one on me!

looks like your spring is weak.....but i dont know......never seen that before.


do you have a voltage meter of any sort?............ what kind of volts is your motor putting out?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

Voltage is a non issue with the power disconnected from the starter in the video.
Vibration is the cause.
Take the spring off the starter and stretch it a bit and re-test.
Sure looks like a weak spring to me.
Its doing a number on the flywheel and starter gears...ouch!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

That spring is called the anti-drift spring,part number 0316742
It is available on the Evinrude website.

 

[gregmercer]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

Ok, thanks for everyones help. Is there any other possibilities before I spend $25 on one little spring? Any ideas anyone?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

Pull the old spring off and stretch it a little. If that works order the new spring....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

that's my only suggestion also. you might consider taking it to a starter/alternator shop, as the bendix assembly can be tricky to get back together.

 

[gregmercer]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

Is there anyway I can remove that nut on top of the starter without removing the starter and dissasembling it? I was hoping I could take that spring off without removing the starter...

Thanks!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

Greg, all you can do it try it. never done it. i know the spring, in good shape has a good bit of tension on it. if it doesn't work, then you have not lost anything, just take the starter off.

 

[technologyking]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

I think I have the same starter on my 7.5e motor. The only problem is it is missing...?...I just bought it and where it is supposed to be is empty. I see 2 shiny bolt holes also. Funny thing, the flywheel is smooth and not geared like I think it should be...Am I crazy? How could I add a starter without the gearing...HELP. I am new to the electric starters.

 

[technologyking]

Re: 1981 Evinrude 25 hp starter problem

I think I have the same starter on my 7.5e motor. The only problem is it is missing...?...I just bought it and where it is supposed to be is empty. I see 2 shiny bolt holes also. Funny thing, the flywheel is smooth and not geared like I think it should be...Am I crazy? How could I add a starter without the gearing...HELP. I am new to the electric starters.