2002 40hp starter bendix engaging under throttle

[Onedecoyshy]

Need some quick help for some strange reason around 3/4 throttle and above my starter drive gear is raising and contacting the flywheel. It is chewing up the gear on the starter and sparking inside the cowling which is a little bothersome. I replaced the solenoid because it was acting up and the starter is fairly new. I am thinking it may be the spring but don't want to waste money on needless parts. Any ideas?

 

[oldman570]

The bendix gear spring should hold the gear completely down to the bottom of the bendix spiral on the starter when the starter is not in use. If the bendix gear dose not go clear to the bottom, then it could be gummed up and need to be cleaned. There should be about a 1/4" of free space between the flywheel and the bendix gear. JMO
Oldman570