starter spins but does not engage, slave solenoid?

[heckdavid1]

Hi All. This problem just started a few weeks ago. I turn the key to start and the starter spins but does not engage. Slave solenoid? All connections are tight and the battery is strong. 2005 maxum 1800 mx 3.0 Mercriuser. Your Thoughts.

 

[Bt Doctur]

starter spinning means you have a good connection. The slave tells the starters solenoid to operate.If pulls the bendix into position and connects the battery to the starter motor. So nothing moving but hearing the starter spin can be:
a bad bendix drive
or ripped up flywheel teeth

 

[dingbat]

Bendix is moved into place by centrifugal force generated by the enertia of the starter motor.

Nine times out of ten lubricating the bendix shaft will solve the problem. Spray with penetrating oil to loosen up when lube with oil.

 

[Bt Doctur]

on some starters but not all ,some use the solenoid to pull the bendix into position

 

[dingbat]

on some starters but not all ,some use the solenoid to pull the bendix into position

wasn't thinking about it being an i/o. Too many outboards

 

[heckdavid1]

OK. Thanks for the replies. I guess what I am trying to figure out is it the starter and a bad Bendix, or is the slave solenoid bad? If the slave solenoid is bad will the starter still spin and the actual solenoid not pull the Bendix into position?

 

[Bt Doctur]

the slave operates the main solenoid.the starters solenoid has 2 functions, pull the bendix into position and connect the battery to the starter motor windings.
pulls first, connects second

 

[kenny nunez]

I bet that the starter shaft is rusted. The solenoid is just compressing the spring that is in front of the drive.

 

[alldodge]

Dumb comment but maybe not: gab hold of the starter and see if its loose

 

[heckdavid1]

Uh. no the starter is not loose. OK the opinion seems to be that the starter/solenoid/Bendix is bad and not the slave solenoid. Correct? At least both are not expensive. so maybe I should replace both. Thanks for all the great replies.

 

[Bondo]

Bendix is bad and not the slave solenoid. Correct?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... That's right, the slave appears to be workin', the starter mounted solenoid, maybe not,....

 

[achris]

If the stater is spinning, that immediately rules out the slave solenoid and the starter solenoid (the one mounted on the starter). Only leave the bendix clutch slipping or missing teeth on the flywheel. And for both of those, starter needs to be removed.

Chris..........

 

[heckdavid1]

Just a follow up, pulled the starter this morning and found the shaft very rusted. So no wonder the Bendix would not engage. Ordered a new starter, so mystery solved. Thanks for all the great replies, it helped me track down the problem.

 

[kenny nunez]

I told you so.