90 Evin Starter Won't Engage

[CarlW]

Hi... I am hoping for some help with a starter on my 90hp V4 Evinrude.
The starter turns fine, but the gear will not rise high enough to engage with flywheel.
I have to manually screw/turn/lift it into position and then turn the key.
Then boat will start. Wen motor is warm, it acts a bit better.
Not sure of exact year on motor. Think it is late 90s (2-stroke)
Thank you for your help.

 

[racerone]

These starters are elegantly easy to take apart and inspect / test.-----------May need a set of brushes.----------Post questions when you have it apart on how to do a simple test and how to re-assemble.

 

[daselbee]

Lubricate the Bendix shaft with light machine oil. 3-in one would be good.
Don't use motor oil, or grease.

 

[CarlW]

Lubricate the Bendix shaft with light machine oil. 3-in one would be good.
Don't use motor oil, or grease.

Thanks for the quick suggestions. Would silicone be OK (have that on hand).

 

[daselbee]

I think silicone spray will dissipate (disappear) from the shaft very quickly.
I have used both the light oil and silicone, and have decided to stick with the light oil.

 

[Boobie]

I've used 3 in 1 household oil and found it works very good. JMO.

 

[CarlW]

Hi again,
So I tried the 3-in-1 oil but that didn't really do it.
I decided to replace the brushes and springs based on an earlier suggestion.
Well, now it seems I'm in worse shape than before...maybe it's something I did.
The starter won't even turn (but I can hear the internal mechanism or something inside turning).
I thought I might have messed up. Maybe one of the brushes wan't seated, etc.
But I pulled it apart slowly to see and all the brushes were seated. ???

Maybe a new starter might be a good route? Thanks
Maybe you can see a pic of starter below....