starter spins but doesn't engage

[x-man]

Before I buy a new solenoids, help me decide if that's the problem. The starter motor spins, but does not raise up to meet the fly wheel. 1992 25 horse Evinrude motor.

 

[MH Hawker]

charge the battery

 

[dingbat]

The bendix could be stuck.
Can you rotate and lift the gear by hand?
If not, hit it with PB Blaster or similar product. Let it sit and try moving the bendix again. Once loose, oil and give it a shot of spray grease

 

[oldboat1]

....and shine up all connections. Rule out starter problems, if it comes to that, but jumping directly to the starter.

 

[x-man]

Battery is full. Starter spins when you push the starter button, it just doesn't lift up to the flywheel. Worked fine till today.

 

[oldboat1]

Work back from the starter to rule things out (jump directly from your car battery -- known good battery). Positive to the stud on the bottom of the starter, negative to the case or bracket -- hook up (touch) last for less sparking. If the starter works normally, have the boat battery load tested.

But before toting the battery off to the auto parts store, make sure ALL connections are sandpapered until they shine. Start with the battery cables.

 

[x-man]

Not a battery problem! I jumped the solenoid, same result. All connections are shiny and new. What pops the starter up? is that the Bendix?

 

[oldboat1]

centrifugal force from the spinning armature. Starter could be dirty or need brushes, or could be the bendix hanging up as dingbat suggests.

 

[x-man]

I can't get under the gear to pry it up. I am at a resort with limited tools. It's Sunday so no shops open, I have it narrowed down to a sticky Bendix I think, so I'll go back out there and try to loosen it up, thanks.

 

[oldboat1]

The gear should lift/spin up by hand (no prying, normally). Feel your pain -- been there. Mine lost the nut at the top and exploded into the pan.

 

[Fed]

Inertia causes the bendix to pop up.

Rotate the bendix clockwise (when viewed from above) while holding the starter shaft still.

 

[boobie]

Read post # 3 again.

 

[interalian]

Have you perhaps disconnected the battery and reversed the cables?

 

[x-man]

Yup, Bendix was stuck. All is good again. Thanks for the tips everyone.

 

[lindy46]

An occasional drop or two of 3-in-1 oil will keep the problem from happening again.