Force L-Drive motor starter not engaging flywheel problem

[bretmoua]

My friend has a 1989 Bayliner with a 125 hp force L-Drive motor with starter problems. When he goes to turn the key over, the starter would turn only but not go up to engage the flywheel. He had replaced the starter last year around summer time and the boat had been running fine until last week. I once had this problem on my 1996 150hp mercury motor too and was able to fix it but I can't remember how. Can anyone point me in the right direction so I can help him?

 

[racerone]

If the starter does not " spin up " quickly the bendix will not go up.------Caused by a weak starter / low battery / bad wires / bad solenoid / loose connections / dried grease on the bendix splines.-----------I would start with charging the battery !

 

[bretmoua]

Thanks. I told him to bang it lightly with a mallet and it worked again. Now he's a happy man. LOL

 

[racerone]

A lot of starters today have a warning on them -----" DO NOT STRIKE WITH A HARD OBJECT "

 

[Jerryjerry05]

Low battery? A lite touch of oil on the worm drive. A hammer on the starter indicates a need for a rebuild?? If it's original.It's WAY past a rebuild time.

 

[Boobie]

If the bang cured it, he's got a stuck brush in it.