1998 90HP starter problem

[bigbrother2008]

Attempted to start up the boat this weekend and NO GO.Starter drive spins but will not engage the flywheel and turn the engine over.Had absolutely no issues or problems prior to this.Is my entire starter pooched or is this a relatively minor(inexpensive fix)?.Googled starters on the net and most came in just under $200 for the part............plus labor to install.Help from the experts here would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 1998 90HP starter problem

First thing is to use a simple volt meter and start checking battery voltage, a low battery will not spin a starter quick enough to 'throw' the inertia drive gear up to the ring gear.

Next remove sand and reconnect BOTH ENDS on both battery cables and the cable between the starter and starter relay. A poor contact will not carry enough current for the starter to function at peak power.

If that hasn't solved your problem yet then clean/replace the starter brushes and clean/lightly sand the commutator on the armature, clean and lightly lube the end bushings. Starters draw amps, good clean connections are required all the way from battery to brushes AND BACK. One poor ground connection and the starter can't draw enough power through an incomplete circuit.

 

[darylfw]

Re: 1998 90HP starter problem

I have the exact same issue on my 2000 200HP SW motor. The starter spins strong but doesn't engage the flywheel.I did check the voltage at starter and it is good. I will try cleaning the brushes tomorrow. I was going to ask if this could possibly the solenoid and if I should try replacing it. Thanks for the help

 

[achris]

Re: 1998 90HP starter problem

If you haven't used the engine for a bit, then you may just have a sticky gear on the end of the starter motor. Quick squirt of CRC or WD40 on the shaft that you can see just below the gear should have you sorted.

Chris..........

 

[marty53]

Re: 1998 90HP starter problem

I second the squirt of WD40 on the the starter shaft. That worked for me one time when I had the same issue, there might just be a little piece of crud on it that wont let it spin up all the way.

 

[bigbrother2008]

Re: 1998 90HP starter problem

Thanks for the suggestions and help.Will report back as to the exact cause and solution to the problem when fixed.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1998 90HP starter problem

It is not uncommon for the grooves in the starter shaft to get gunked up with all the crud that collects there because people tend to over or under lubricate things or they use the wrong lub. Rotate the Bendix up the shaft and using a Q-tip or cotton swab, clean the grooves thoroughly. Slide the
Bendix up and down the shaft a few times to feel for sticky spots. It may be that the Bendix or the shaft has developed a burr that needs to be removed. If it moves ok, I like a product called Tri-Flo which is a silicone based spray lub. Just a light spritz in each groove is all that's required. Of course, a good battery and solid cable connections are required. I would not dive into the motor itself, expecially if it seems to run normally. A quick test of the motor is to use a jumper cable and jump from the POS terminal of the battery directly to the large terminal on the starter.

 

[bigbrother2008]

Re: 1998 90HP starter problem

Problem solved.Relatively simple problem.Starter drive was pooched,motor itself good.Motor starts and runs fine now.

 

[achris]

Re: 1998 90HP starter problem

Problem solved.Relatively simple problem.Starter drive was pooched,motor itself good.Motor starts and runs fine now.

'Pooched'??? What's pooched? (I always thought a 'pooch' was a dog).. So, it was 'dogged'...