Starter problem

My starter is spinning but not engaging (it is mounted vertically on the engine and isn't moving up to engage the flywheel) on my 1998 Maxum bowrider with a 4cylinder Merc. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Check your solenoid yoke Y shaped thingy that engages the starter and fly wheel. It is engaged by means of a electro magnet.Some times they get stuck.Give it a good clean up.

 

its spinning before it kicks "in"?

 

guess its time fer more learnin,,,,,i rebuild starters and alternators, for cars and trucks,,,,,usually in cars the Y is connected to the solenoid with a bolt and eye,,,,,,,never seen an outboard 1 ,,works on magnetics huh,,,,,,thinking im glad i dont work on em,,haha

 

The "spin" of the starter kicks it up, sometimes a weak
battery won't give it enough rpm to kick it out or it
is just dirty!! WD40 time!

 

I got it to engage now, but once it engages the flywheel it locks up. I am hoping that the engine isn't seized up. I took the starter apart and it doesn't show any severe wear or lots of play in the shaft. Thanks for the replies. BTW, does anyone know anything about "US Marine Power" engines? My 1998 Maxum has a 4 cylinder inboard/outdrive and that is on the head covers, as well as all the gauges and even the stereo system. I can't find anything on the internet about the company.

 

Run the starter off the engine to see it operate. You probably had two problems, and now you have one----- try to turn the engine over by hand. Sounds like it sat and sat, starter bendix got gummy and the engine... well, hope it isn't froze up.
Good luck.

Alan

 

i'll pay someone shipping and whatever for a junk starter like that,,,,,i think i'd love to take a lookie inside,,hehe

 

I think the engine is locked up, I am tired of messing with it.

 

You're obviously not a mechanic. Take a breather and then have a mechanic look it over. Could be it's only a little stuck or there's something you don't understand.
It doesn't make sense to judge the situation without a working knowledge of the engine.
you can get some limited help here but first describe the type of engine (inboard or outboard), how you came to own it (did your uncle give it to you saying, "If you can get it going after those ten years in storage, my hat's off to you!", etc..
When did it last run?
Be specific.

Alan

 

where to in texas are ya?

 

Thanks for the replies. I don't think the starter is the problem. I couldn't turn the flywheel even with a 5 foot 2x4 as leverage and all the plugs removed (yes, it was in neutral). I'm in Nocona, and yes, a relative gave it to me who couldn't get it running, it's a nice boat except for the problems.

 

well i have no idea where that is,,,,mus be the otha side of texas,,,,nowhere near odessa. soryy man,,, if you was close i would of looked at it fer ya.

 

Its not that far?

 

guess it isnt,,,,unless your motor is stuck,,,, then its a long ways,,,,,he should go buy some "marvins mystery oil" and pour down the spark plug hole,,,, and let it set for a few days,,, then try to turn it.