Outboard starters

[STEINFISHSKI]

My 1997 Evinrude 25 horse encountered a problem with the electric start the other night. It started fine 20 times that night, and at the end of the night I hit the starter and it did not come up to engage the flywheel, it just spun. I pulled the cover, tapped it a few times with a pair of channel locks I had handy, and it engaged and started no problem. I tried it a few more times and it seems to work ok now. Is this a cold weather related issue? Can I lube something to correct it? Will it eventually never start, and I should replace it? Thanks for any input. Tim

[solasylum]

Tim....I had the same problem with my 91 Evinrude 25hp outboard. My problem ended up being that the motor had rattled the bolts holding the starter loose. The starter then slipped down about a 1/2 inch or so. The gears wouldn't engage. Tightened up the bolts and I was good to go.

Hope this helps!!

Scott

[STEINFISHSKI]

Nope, checked the mounting bolts and they are tight and lined up ok. It looks like brand new in there. The starter has a spring loaded gear that pops up and engages the flywheel when it works properly. When it gave me trouble it spun, but did not pop up to engage. Just wondering if this is the beginning of the end, or if the cold weather may have impacted it. It has never done that before.

[ESOX]

The part that makes the starter motor gear engage is called a Bendix. They do get weak over time and need to be replaced, but sometimes the grease on them gets cruddy and thick, causing problems in cold weather. Try cleaning the helix and putting a silicone grease on it.

[solasylum]

Tim....any luck finding out your problem?

Just curious,

Scott

[STEINFISHSKI]

Have not been out since Sun night, and it was working fine when I left. I'll clean and lube it before next time out and hopefully eek by for a while without a repair bill. Tim

[andy capp]

Had the same problem with mine. If you can find someone who sells the brushes in side that they are fairly simple to replace with a manual. Mine went this summer, the brushes wore out and they tend to weld them selves to the armature. I took mine to an auto electric shop and they rebuilt it for $55. Thats what I would do.

[STEINFISHSKI]

Thanks Andy.

I checked my local starter rebuild shop and was quoted $40 low end rebuild, and $95 for major rebuild. It looks like a new starter so I believe it is definately worth rebuilding and will take it in this winter. Tim

[andy capp]

If You are any way mechanicaly inclined and have a manual the parts to rebuild it are between 10 and 20 dollars