1997 Evinrude 90 hp starter bendix

[Matt Pieklik]

My bendix (part # 434517) on my 90 hp Evinrude wasn't always engaging. So I
took all the covers off , pulled out the shaft assy out and did find that it
was sticking. Finding that, I cleaned it up and gave it a light coat of
grease and made sure all the moving parts moved freely. Now the problem :
After reassembly, I turn the key and it sounds like the bendix gear is not
engaging the fly wheel. The fly wheel turns slow, lot of what sounds like
metel to metal squeal. Almost like the shaft assembly is not in alignment
and the top of the bendix is spinning underneath the fly wheel . That would
make sense to me seeing the bendix gear is warm to the touch after breaking
it down again to investigate. Can some one please help me with my situation?
Thanks , Matt.

[t***@gmail.com]

I take it, that is an American Bosch design. the turning slow..hmmm,
you sure the battery is up good? that starter depends on fast spinning
torque to throw the pinion into the flywheel.

I'd flush off the light greast and lube it only with penetrating or
light (like 2 in 1) oil. yes, the grease can actually slow the drive
pinion down so it can't engage the flywheel.

Post by Matt Pieklik
My bendix (part # 434517) on my 90 hp Evinrude wasn't always engaging. So I
took all the covers off , pulled out the shaft assy out and did find that it
was sticking. Finding that, I cleaned it up and gave it a light coat of
After reassembly, I turn the key and it sounds like the bendix gear is not
engaging the fly wheel. The fly wheel turns slow, lot of what sounds like
metel to metal squeal. Almost like the shaft assembly is not in alignment
and the top of the bendix is spinning underneath the fly wheel . That would
make sense to me seeing the bendix gear is warm to the touch after breaking
it down again to investigate. Can some one please help me with my situation?
Thanks , Matt.

[Matt Pieklik]

I also put a new battery in today.

Post by t***@gmail.com
I take it, that is an American Bosch design. the turning slow..hmmm,
you sure the battery is up good? that starter depends on fast spinning
torque to throw the pinion into the flywheel.
I'd flush off the light greast and lube it only with penetrating or
light (like 2 in 1) oil. yes, the grease can actually slow the drive
pinion down so it can't engage the flywheel.

Post by Matt Pieklik
My bendix (part # 434517) on my 90 hp Evinrude wasn't always engaging. So I
took all the covers off , pulled out the shaft assy out and did find that it
was sticking. Finding that, I cleaned it up and gave it a light coat of
After reassembly, I turn the key and it sounds like the bendix gear is not
engaging the fly wheel. The fly wheel turns slow, lot of what sounds like
metel to metal squeal. Almost like the shaft assembly is not in alignment
and the top of the bendix is spinning underneath the fly wheel . That would
make sense to me seeing the bendix gear is warm to the touch after breaking
it down again to investigate. Can some one please help me with my situation?
Thanks , Matt.

[t***@gmail.com]

OK Matt, that rules out that notion.

Now, does the bendix gear look like its edges are worn nown into a
"slope"?

not to be confused with the natural bevel made onto the gear?

if so, the bendix needs replaced.

Post by Matt Pieklik
I also put a new battery in today.

Post by t***@gmail.com
I take it, that is an American Bosch design. the turning slow..hmmm,
you sure the battery is up good? that starter depends on fast spinning
torque to throw the pinion into the flywheel.
I'd flush off the light greast and lube it only with penetrating or
light (like 2 in 1) oil. yes, the grease can actually slow the drive
pinion down so it can't engage the flywheel.

Post by Matt Pieklik
My bendix (part # 434517) on my 90 hp Evinrude wasn't always engaging. So I
took all the covers off , pulled out the shaft assy out and did find that it
was sticking. Finding that, I cleaned it up and gave it a light coat of
After reassembly, I turn the key and it sounds like the bendix gear is not
engaging the fly wheel. The fly wheel turns slow, lot of what sounds like
metel to metal squeal. Almost like the shaft assembly is not in alignment
and the top of the bendix is spinning underneath the fly wheel . That would
make sense to me seeing the bendix gear is warm to the touch after breaking
it down again to investigate. Can some one please help me with my situation?
Thanks , Matt.

[Matt Pieklik]

I charged the new battery over night and guess what...... Works like brand
new! Thanks for your help, Matt.

Post by t***@gmail.com
OK Matt, that rules out that notion.
Now, does the bendix gear look like its edges are worn nown into a
"slope"?
not to be confused with the natural bevel made onto the gear?
if so, the bendix needs replaced.

Post by Matt Pieklik
I also put a new battery in today.

Post by t***@gmail.com
I take it, that is an American Bosch design. the turning slow..hmmm,
you sure the battery is up good? that starter depends on fast spinning
torque to throw the pinion into the flywheel.
I'd flush off the light greast and lube it only with penetrating or
light (like 2 in 1) oil. yes, the grease can actually slow the drive
pinion down so it can't engage the flywheel.

Post by Matt Pieklik
My bendix (part # 434517) on my 90 hp Evinrude wasn't always
engaging.
So I
took all the covers off , pulled out the shaft assy out and did find
that
it
was sticking. Finding that, I cleaned it up and gave it a light coat of
After reassembly, I turn the key and it sounds like the bendix gear
is
not
engaging the fly wheel. The fly wheel turns slow, lot of what sounds like
metel to metal squeal. Almost like the shaft assembly is not in alignment
and the top of the bendix is spinning underneath the fly wheel . That would
make sense to me seeing the bendix gear is warm to the touch after breaking
it down again to investigate. Can some one please help me with my situation?
Thanks , Matt.

[t***@gmail.com]

Quite alright, Matt. Glad all is well.

Post by Matt Pieklik
I charged the new battery over night and guess what...... Works like brand
new! Thanks for your help, Matt.

Post by t***@gmail.com
OK Matt, that rules out that notion.
Now, does the bendix gear look like its edges are worn nown into a
"slope"?
not to be confused with the natural bevel made onto the gear?
if so, the bendix needs replaced.

Post by Matt Pieklik
I also put a new battery in today.

Post by t***@gmail.com
I take it, that is an American Bosch design. the turning slow..hmmm,
you sure the battery is up good? that starter depends on fast spinning
torque to throw the pinion into the flywheel.
I'd flush off the light greast and lube it only with penetrating or
light (like 2 in 1) oil. yes, the grease can actually slow the drive
pinion down so it can't engage the flywheel.

Post by Matt Pieklik
My bendix (part # 434517) on my 90 hp Evinrude wasn't always
engaging.
So I
took all the covers off , pulled out the shaft assy out and did find
that
it
was sticking. Finding that, I cleaned it up and gave it a light coat of
After reassembly, I turn the key and it sounds like the bendix gear
is
not
engaging the fly wheel. The fly wheel turns slow, lot of what sounds like
metel to metal squeal. Almost like the shaft assembly is not in alignment
and the top of the bendix is spinning underneath the fly wheel . That would
make sense to me seeing the bendix gear is warm to the touch after breaking
it down again to investigate. Can some one please help me with my situation?
Thanks , Matt.