Need some advice on pulling out a Mercruiser 3.0

[Fishermark]

The bendix is the very end of the starter - where the gear is. The bendix itself can be replaced. But that assumes the bendix is bad. What you are describing is typical of a bendix failure. Back in the day it was common to replace various parts of the starter. Nowadays it is more common (and easier) to replace the entire thing. It might even be difficult to find individual parts anymore.

 

[Bondo]

Nowadays it is more common (and easier) to replace the entire thing. It might even be difficult to find individual parts anymore.

Ayuh,..... That's another Plus (+) for the permanent magnet motor starters,....

Run it til it dies, 'n go get another one,....
They seem to last a long time, so long as they don't go swimmin',....

1/2 the weight, 'n Alot more Power,....

Go Marine grade, by part number though,...

 

[Chucky5150]

Got the new starter in today. The engine now turns over and over and over. No stripped ring gear from what I can tell.

I wish that was the end of this story. I now have a little thump sound as the engine turns over. Would that be a bent connection rod?

What is the first step in troubleshooting this issue? Compression test?