Starter trouble and floating on lake.

[bryancm]

Well, starter is spinning. High pitched spinning noise but won't start. Sounds like starter drive is bad maybe. Sounds like it isn't engaging fly wheel? Thoughts?

[NICKYPOO]

Did you smack it with a hammer? Seriously. I've seen it knock it loose and get the boat started.

I hope you're not still on the water.

[bryancm]

I smacked it around pretty good. Never knocked it loose. Towed in and heading back to boat now. Not sure if I can buy one somewhere today.

[NICKYPOO]

Sorry dude. That sucks. Hope you can find one.

[bryancm]

Anyone know the part # by chance?

[IDBoating]

Bendix gear is probably stuck. Very common problem on starters of all kinds. Might be salvagable if you're not in a hurry. Pull it off the engine and check it. Generally, starters are easy to remove and reinstall.

[bryancm]

Thanks fellas. Chase @ Ski Dock in Austin pulled the ultimate super cool customer service treatment and met me at the shop to hook me up w a new starter (even though they were closed). Had the new starter installed and out of the slip before 1 today. Thank you Ski Dock (more specifically, Chase).

And WA, it was the Bendix stuck. I beat the crap out of it but it wouldn't engage.

[IDBoating]

And WA, it was the Bendix stuck. I beat the crap out of it but it wouldn't engage.

OK, but can you disassemble (or at least try cleaning and lubing) it? You could end up with a spare starter for next time.

[bryancm]

That's the plan.