6-71N Won't Turn Over

[eze2bme]

10 days ago this engine ran great. Today when I depressed the START button it spun over and tried to start but didn't "catch". I depressed the START button again and all I heard was a "whining" noise. My guess is that the starter was spinning but not engaging the flywheel. Any thoughts before I call the mechanic? Thanks in advance. 1979 43DC, 3600 hrs on engine.

 

[JLR]

Check the bendix.

 

[MikeP]

"Check the bendix."

Yep...

Many times disassembly/cleaning/lubricating will fix a "bad" bendix. Rust/corrosion can cause the bendix to not shift into the drive position. I have seen starter bendixes "fixed" with no disassembly at all by simply dipping the bendix end of the starter in Marvel Mystery Oil.

Don't know what a new bendix costs for one of these starters but it's a pretty simple operation to replace one if you do any mechanic work at all. Can't imagine one would cost more than 50 bucks (and even that sounds really high to me) but if you don't tell them it's for a boat engine it shouldn't be too expensive!

 

[dsharp]

When the solenoid is energized it pulls a disc against the two studs that the positive cable bolts to and a lever pushes the bendix into the flywheel. There is a pin in the lever that can shear. I would take the starter off and take it to a shop if you aren't familiar with them. Be sure and disconnect the battery first. The arcs can melt wrenches and scare the hell out of you.

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

Know this might be a long shot... How about weak batteries ?
We had a man at our marina about 10 yrs ago that had that happen , starter would spin but not engage. We went onboard, one guy hit the parallel switch and it fired up.

 

[eze2bme]

Thanks guys ... all thoughts appreciated ... will let you know the solution.

 

[eze2bme]

You were correct ... the bendix went bad. Thanks for all the help and suggestions!

 

[JLR]

Bingo! Glad to help.