Interesting starter failure

Discussion in 'Outboards' started by DogCavalry, Nov 20, 2024.

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  1. Barry
    Joined: Mar 2002
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    Barry Senior Member

    merc starter.jpg
    There should have been much more than just the nut lost then.
    The starter engages, the bendix rises up the spiral shaft engages the flywheel and until the engine starts it is under load it stays engaged. When the flywheel tooth speed reaches or slightly
    exceeds the bendix tooth speed the load between the teeth goes to zero. At which time the spring on the shaft, held in place by the nut, pushes the bendix back towards the starter.

    Is all this missing?

    A simple check on whether a bendix is working or not is that they will just turn one way which you can check by hand

    That bushing that is under the nut may be another bearing to stabilize the end of the shaft to stabilize the shaft, ie keep the shaft from deflecting off concentricity, or it may be there to provide a thrust bearing for the spring

    On an automotive engine the end of the starter shaft is normally inserted into a
    bushing for this stabilization.
     
  2. DogCavalry
    Joined: Sep 2019
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    I'm back. Broke my phone. Pita

    Anyway, the starters I've seen images of are double nutted. This starter has none. I bought an aftermarket starter from an outfit in Montreal. OM starter $750. Aftermarket: $220. Works just fine.
     
  3. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    New interest:

    I installed a couple heat pumps in our log house. If you were thinking of visiting, but were concerned about the cold, worry no more: only the drinks are cold. The guest bedrooms are warm. If you're on the way, let me know food and beverage preferences at least a day or two ahead so I can stock up.
     
  4. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
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    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Welcome back John.

    What keeps the bendix on if not a nut or two?
    Would you post a link to the starter you bought?

    Many thanks, Tom
     
  5. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

  6. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
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    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Thanks.
    Looks like a nut ( and a bearing ) holding the bendix on to me.
    "What keeps the bendix on if not a nut or two?"
    I'm confused.
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2024
  7. montero
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    montero Senior Member

  8. montero
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    montero Senior Member

    Wich models/years and what kind of failures ? I've destroyed zombie proof 2t 20-35hp Evinrude .After first stone hit I fixed propeller by the hammer and file .
    40 km up and down the river to gas station .Next day we trying back 100+km and after few hundred meters we lost propeller blade .Next days I do lower unit maitenance and drive shaft have little bend.So camshaft workshop done it straight .During reassemby it was no possible to put into powerhead.Crankshaft inner spline was oval .:( It was the first ride by scrappyard found engine . Good compression low hours . Reasons of failure : low water level , no spare prop , propeller hub.
     
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  9. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    Well dang @montero . Sounds disheartening. Find another engine with good leg and bad powerhead I guess.
     
  10. Darkzillicon
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    Darkzillicon Senior Member

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  11. BMcF
    Joined: Mar 2007
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    BMcF Senior Member

    Most recent was on a 1980s vintage 70HP 3-cylinder Johnson.
     
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  12. philSweet
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    philSweet Senior Member

    I miss those old beasts. Even after you couldn't pull them apart anymore, they'd run another ten years in tropical salt water.
     
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  13. DogCavalry
    Joined: Sep 2019
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    That's exactly what the Mercury replaced.
     
  14. BMcF
    Joined: Mar 2007
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    BMcF Senior Member

    My old '68 Woodson still runs like a top..the 70HP on it is an '88.
     

  15. DogCavalry
    Joined: Sep 2019
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    20241222_165926.jpg Exactly like @BlueBell observed. Spring and spring retaining cup also absent. Not just the nut. No doubt they're in there somewhere.

    A $750 starter.
     
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