Starter not dis-engaging

[wakina]

Should the starter drive gear dis-engage the flywheel after stopping the power to the starter? I replaced the starter and flywheel on a 1990 Mercruiser 5.7L 260hp with a new GM flywheel and Delco starter using new starter bolts. Before reinstalling the motor back into the boat I hooked up the starter to a battery and turned over the engine with a remote starter switch, the starter engages perfectly each time I tried the starter but would not disengage from the flywheel when power was stopped to the starter. A light touch with a screw driver with no prying and the gear would dis-engage and re-nest in the starter housing. Problem or not? If so how do I fix it?

 

[Don S]

Re: Starter not dis-engaging

Did you check the starter shimming when you changed the flywheel and starter? Sounds like the starter is too close to the flywheel and it holds it in. Put a thin starter shim between the block and the starter and give it a try.

 

[wakina]

Re: Starter not dis-engaging

That is what I wanted to know as I thought maybe this could be the problem but was not certain. This is a re manufactured block and the starter is impossible to get to in this boat with the motor installed, so the motor is not re-installed yet, there were no shims on the old block/starter. We replaced the flywheel because the other new starter that my friend installed ate the teeth off of the old fly wheel and destroyed the gear on the new starter. That is why I used the remote starter switch so we could check the fit before installing. Any how I was called to help sort out the problem. Will try the shim and report back. I have several different shims drilled just for the GM starter that I had saved over the years. Thank you for the reply.

 

[scooper77515]

Re: Starter not dis-engaging

i had it happen with an ebay starter. Yanked it back out and replaced it with a name brand starter. Had it sitting on my desk next to my computer, and playing with the gear spinning it out of boredom, and noticed that it was wobbling. Put a dial indicator on it and it was run out .100". Upon closer look, it had a dent in the edge of the tip of the shaft.

Apparently someone had dropped it and it landed on the edge of the shaft, and bent it. Then i installed it and it worked sometimes, but would sometimes bind.

 

[wakina]

Re: Starter not dis-engaging

Tried shims today to no avail, still sticking in the flywheel. Called MichiganMotorz and they want that long block back fully assembled and ready to run to check it. It was their idea and not mine. They are not sure what is causing the problem, so they want their Mechanics to look at it. It is still under warranty and they are only an hour or so away so we are hauling it up there on Thursday . Will post back when I find out what is going on with this problem.

 

[Don S]

Re: Starter not dis-engaging

That is what I wanted to know as I thought maybe this could be the problem but was not certain. This is a re manufactured block and the starter is impossible to get to in this boat with the motor installed,

When you pull the engine, check that shimming out before you take the block back, just so you know for future reference. Then when/if you get a different block back, check the shimming before installing the engine.
That is one reason I always run and engine sitting on blocks before it goes back in the boat. Then I know everything is OK, and works and no leaks.

 

[wakina]

Re: Starter not dis-engaging

Engine is currently on the transport stands that I had made. It has not been back in the boat since the last starter destroyed the flywheel and starter drive gear. All testing was done on the stands today, where every thing is visable and easy to get at. Don S, you are right it sure makes the job alot more easy when you can walk around the engine setting on a work bench.

 

[Speakrdude]

Re: Starter not dis-engaging

I did the exact same thing and asked Don the same question. Turns out, if you don't have power to the engine, the starter will stay engaged due to the amount of undercut of the teeth. That's why you will see it pop right out with a little pressure. It's actually along the same idea of of the Mercruiser cut out switch. When the engine fires, the Flywheel will "out-run" the starter just enough for it to kick out when you un-apply the power to the soleniod.

 

[Speakrdude]

Re: Starter not dis-engaging

I also want to add that there can still be a shim issue or not to rule out other problems. But my above post totally solved the issue, (it was all in my head!)

 

[wakina]

Re: Starter not dis-engaging

Back from Michigan Motorz and they got it fixed with no problem, it seems Speakrdude was right on with his post. The old flywheel was checked and it turned out that it was not the right flywheel for this application. I asked my friend if he was sure this flywheel came off his old motor and he said that the old flywheel was still mounted on the old block he didn't know what make or vintage flywheel he had installed on his remanufactered block I guess he thought that if it bolted up that it was the right one. So live and learn!