Motor Whines

[JAZ123]

I have a 1985 115 hsp Mariner and it's been great to me. Saturday when I was out after running it for a while I cut the motor off but there was a loud whining noise that continued until I cut the power off from the battery. I fished a couple more hours and was able to crank the motor again but the whining came back and won't stop without me cutting the battery power. Is that the starter or the solenoid possibly?

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

When it's whining, can you tell where the noise is coming from? You may not have a motor problem. Try to locate the source of the noise before assuming it's the motor. A dry running bilge pump make a whining sound, too.

 

[JAZ123]

Thanks for replying. I made sure it wasn't the bilge pump or aerator. When I pull the cover off the engine I can make the whining stop by touching the positive cable where it connects in the engine. Is that the solenoid?

 

[Mi duckdown]

is the bendix on the starter retracting after start up?

 

[JAZ123]

Yes it is.