Screetching Sound at Start Up/Bendix Shavings

[Fredog]

Hello, I just purchased a used boat with a 2007 90 hp Mercury 2 Stroke Engine. It hadn't been used much. When I started it up it made a screetching sound. According to a mechanic at the local boat shop, there were shavings present under the cover and that came from the bendix. He showed me the sharp edges on the bendix and said it would be best to replace it to avoid further damage. What is your opinion? This sounds pricey but I could only imagine it getting worse. How many hours of labor should be charged to replace a bendix? Thank you in advance!

 

[Mr. Asa]

Re: Screetching Sound at Start Up/Bendix Shavings

It does indeed sound like the spring on the bendix has failed. Not sure if you can actually replace the bendix only, or if you have to replace the entire starter
Not sure how many hours of labor it should cost, if you've got any mechanical skills you might be able to do it yourself. Can you see the starter? Can you see what it would take to remove it?

 

[merc850]

Re: Screetching Sound at Start Up/Bendix Shavings

It sounds like the top bushing (under the Bendix) has worn out and it's letting the drive wobble, grab the Bendix and see if you can move it from side to side. If it has play then a starter shop could replace it for you. My starter is wobbly and I'll be fixing it in the winter.