Starter wont engage flywheel.

[Confident Noob]

1999 Mercruiser 7.4L MPIs. After dewinterizing the starboard starter spins up fast but doesn't move the engine. Things I've tried:
Replaced entire starter.
Replaced older batteries.
Cleaned and checked all power cables.
Voltage checked batteries and starter.
Engine moves freely, flywheel moves.
No flywheel damage or teeth missing.
Removed new starter and bench tested good.
I'm at a complete loss, no matter what I do, starter bendix pops out and spins up, but engine doesn't turn over.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Sounds like the bendex isn't pushing out when mounted to the motor,.....

How ya got it wired up,..??
Did you put a prybar to the flywheel when the starter was off, 'n bar the motor over,..??

 

[tank1949]

Pray it is not flywheel ring gear. Does starter require shims? Compare old starter to new one. Vendor may have sold you a different starter.

 

[Confident Noob]

Thanks! Wiring image attached. The bendix popped out and worked right in this wiring when unbolted from block(tested in place).
Yep, moved the flywheel. And spun engine over from the crank in front to see whole flywheel.

 

[Confident Noob]

It is a different starter, but its the listed replacement. No OEM sold anymore. Other motor has one similar and works great.

 

[Confident Noob]

Pray it is not flywheel ring gear. Does starter require shims? Compare old starter to new one. Vendor may have sold you a different starter.

No shims that I'm aware of.

 

[alldodge]

What is the part number of the starter you bought?

 

[kenny nunez]

Since this is an inboard reverse entry starter are you sure that you have the correct starter for your engine’s rotation?
When you first tried to start the engine with the original starter and it would not engage did you bench test it? If there is any rust build up on the starter shaft in front of the gear it will spin but not engage.

 

[Confident Noob]

Ok, significant update. Starter is turning the flywheel, and rotating the engine, but engine doesn't even begin to start up.

 

[Confident Noob]

What is the part number of the starter you bought?

50-808011A05 - Starter Motor Assembly
Matches original part number.

 

[alldodge]

Ok, significant update. Starter is turning the flywheel, and rotating the engine, but engine doesn't even begin to start up.

Do you hear 2 beeps when key is turned to Run?
Do you hear the fuel pump run before starting?
Is the kill switch pulled?

 

[Confident Noob]

Since this is an inboard reverse entry starter are you sure that you have the correct starter for your engine’s rotation?
When you first tried to start the engine with the original starter and it would not engage did you bench test it? If there is any rust build up on the starter shaft in front of the gear it will spin but not engage.

I did not bench test the first one, but it looks clean, and I am now quite confident it wasn't bad. Starter turns the flywheel counter clockwise when facing towards the front of the boat (towards the other port engine).

 

[Confident Noob]

Do you hear 2 beeps when key is turned to Run?
Do you hear the fuel pump run before starting?
Is the kill switch pulled?

Yes 2 beeps and fuel pump runs. I dont believe I have a kill switch. (Not that I'm aware of). Other engine starts.

 

[kenny nunez]

Check if there a spark coming out the coil wire at the distributor cap to ground.

 

[alldodge]

Being these are inboards they might be L29's
What is the serial number of one of the motors?

 

[Confident Noob]

Check if there a spark coming out the coil wire at the distributor cap to ground.

I was able to pull two spark plugs and ground test, spark was weak (faint/yellow). Don't know how test it at the cap. #actualnoob

 

[dubs283]

Starter turns the flywheel counter clockwise when facing towards the front of the boat

That would be LH (standard rotation). Is the engine a LH or RH (counter rotation) engine? Info should be located top of motor, sticker on the plastic cover

 

[Confident Noob]

That would be LH (standard rotation). Is the engine a LH or RH (counter rotation) engine? Info should be located top of motor, sticker on the plastic cover

It is a LH rotation engine. So good there. I think I'm looking at a spark/ignition problem. Which is a real kick in the nads after changing the starter and checking all power/connections.

 

[Bt Doctur]

What direction is the crank pully turning?
Locate #1 plug wire in the dist cap, Is the next wire going clockwise going to cyl 2 or cyl 8 ?
If an I/O you use a standard or reverse rotation starters
Mercruiser 50-808011A05 Inboard Starter Rear Entry LH-Rotation Engines. Replaces older Mercruiser part #'s 808011A05, 50-808011A05, 50808011A05 and 710-50-808011A05. Left Hand Rotation Inboard Engines, "Open Gear" Drive Design, High-Torque. For Late Model Left Hand Rotation Inboard Engines Utilizing Open Gear Design. Fits: Mercruiser, Crusader, Marine Power, PCM/SeaMax and Others. Lightweight, Compact, Permanent Magnetic Starter. COUNTER CLOCKWISE STARTER ROTATION FOR LEFT HAND ROTATION ENGINES. This starter is orginal equipment made by Mercruiser, 1-year limited warranty.

 

[dubs283]

What does the inside of the distributor cap look like?