XR1800 starter just spins

[Ruikee]

Hi there, new owner to this boat. a few weeks ago, starter on one engine would crank a couple of times then just stop. But eventually would start the motor. Today of course when i put it in the water, after testing last night and all was fine, the starter just spins? Any ideas? I did tap the starter but no change. Do these have a solenoid like a car that engages the starter into the flywheel?

[scittb]

solenoids are not part of starters. They have a Bendix. Basically a spring loaded centrifugal gear that pops out to engage the starter flywheel when the starters itself is rotating under power. They do go bad from time to time. will need to pull the fron stator cover to access it.

[water worx]

There is a starter bendix/drive in the front cover that needs to be replaced.

Good news is you dont have to remove the flywheel to replace like most Yamahas. Get a good used oem one or new oem cus the aftermarket ones are garbage.

[Ruikee]

There is a starter bendix/drive in the front cover that needs to be replaced.

Good news is you dont have to remove the flywheel to replace like most Yamahas. Get a good used oem one or new oem cus the aftermarket ones are garbage.

So you both agree the starter is probably fine since it is spinning? When i take the Stator cover off, is there anything that may fly off that i have to look out for? New gasket? Also, if i pulled the starter just to replace it as well, would the bendix drive come off with it?

Thanks for your help.

[scittb]

if its the 66v engine, then front cover comes off. theres an oring gasket no issue reusing. Starter comes out from back side. Bendix comes out from inside the cover. Look at the exploded diagram in OE parts finder. there is a little spring and washer you have to keep an eye out for. Not a terrible job just taken your time.

[Ruikee]

if its the 66v engine, then front cover comes off. theres an oring gasket no issue reusing. Starter comes out from back side. Bendix comes out from inside the cover. Look at the exploded diagram in OE parts finder. there is a little spring and washer you have to keep an eye out for. Not a terrible job just taken your time.

Only took about 2 hours but got it apart, and the bendix starter gear had 4 spots chewed up. Starter gear looked ok but gonna replace both since i have it apart. Any idea why it did this?

[steve45]

Perhaps somebody hit 'Start' while it was running?

[Ruikee]

Perhaps somebody hit 'Start' while it was running?

Possibly, but my understanding of how this works, the bottom gear is meshed with the starter gear always. When the starter turns, the nose gear flies out and engages in the flywheel then disengages? If it they key was turned while the motor was running i would think the nose gear would get damaged from trying to engage into the flywheel?
BTW, Hi Steve!!!

[steve45]

That's the only thing I can think of that could break off gear teeth that were already in mesh.

Hey, I know I've done it by hitting the start button when I meant to hit the kill button.

[Ruikee]

That's the only thing I can think of that could break off gear teeth that were already in mesh.

Hey, I know I've done it by hitting the start button when I meant to hit the kill button.

Talked to a guy i train with last night that works on boats, he said the same thing. Possibly the PO did it as it did stop in some dead spots the couple of times i have had it out. Good to start learning how this motor operates and getting down in there.... Thanks for the help and advice.