Starter not engaging flywheel

[BRTate]

2000 4winns 5.7gs Volvo
Starter was acting up. Not engaging the flywheel. Best way I can describe was it was slamming into the wheel when I turned the key to start. Terrible noise. I held the key on and the engine slowly turned then started. Ran all day no issues. Pulled the starter to have it checked for issues. Rebuild shop found no issues, replaced the solenoid just to be sure. Has dual batteries on a master switch. Had both checked, both show good. Now starter will not line up with flywheel. Just grinds when I try to start. Limited view of the flywheel but the teeth look fine. Keep in mind it ran great the day before then it didn’t. I may be missing something simple. No way for it to be out of line. Only two bolts from the bottom. Didn’t have shims installed. Any ideas are greatly appreciated

 

[alldodge]

Either the ring on the flywheel has moved, or the starter isn't moving the gear all the way out.

Look closely at the ring and see if it's close to the starter or further away.
Need to also rotate the flywheel and little at a time to see if there is missing teeth somewhere

 

[cyclops222]

Is this a brand new boat you bought ? Has it ran great dozens of times before ? Loose big battery cable connections will cause partial starter gear on the engine flywheel gear. or

Either the ring on the flywheel has moved, or the starter isn't moving the gear all the way out.

Look closely at the ring and see if it's close to the starter or further away.
Need to also rotate the flywheel and little at a time to see if there is missing teeth somewhere

 

[BRTate]

Is this a brand new boat you bought ? Has it ran great dozens of times before ? Loose big battery cable connections will cause partial starter gear on the engine flywheel gear. or

Been running this boat for 3 summers now. Never any issues whatsoever. As of today I have replaced both batteries, brand new starter/solonoid, cleaned all connections. Still just grinding on the flywheel

 

[BRTate]

Is this a brand new boat you bought ? Has it ran great dozens of times before ? Loose big battery cable connections will cause partial starter gear on the engine flywheel gear. or

Either the ring on the flywheel has moved, or the starter isn't moving the gear all the way out.

Look closely at the ring and see if it's close to the starter or further away.
Need to also rotate the flywheel and little at a time to see if there is missing teeth somewhere

Replaced the starter and batteries today. Cleaned all connections. Haven’t looked at the flywheel but heck I have been running this boat for 3 summers, has never missed a lick

 

[kenny nunez]

If the problem is solved with the new starter then the only thing was the starter drive on the original starter was the problem.

 

[ESGWheel]

See post 4 - issue still exists
I think the OP is simply frustrated since never an issue before

BRTate > we have all been there but things break. The ring could have moved. The new starter could be bad. The key here is to investigate per alldodge suggestions now that the other items have been hopefully eliminated. This is 100% solvable but need your help.

 

[kenny nunez]

Ring gears are welded together, I have seen one that the weld broke. The flywheel has a raised area that backs up the ring gear. It must be thw ring gear that is slipping on the flywheel.

 

[ESGWheel]

Ring gears are welded together,

I am thinking old school where ring gears were shrunk on the flywheels. Did not know the 5.7s were welded on, but good to know. My overall concern is that the OP needs to keep investigating and post the findings. From there lots of folks will help and he can back to enjoying trouble free boating

 

[cyclops222]

cheaper cheaper