Expert: tyler boehner - 3/7/2008

Question
Hello, I have a 1994 Mercury 200 EFI Black Max and when I try to start it the starter motor just spins.   It sounds like the gear doesn't engage with the flywheel.  Could it be a weak battery?  Do I need to grease the starter gear?  Do I need to replace the starter?  I just bought the boat and the original owner hasn't had any problems lately.  The boat has been sitting unused for a couple months but I live in Southern Cal where the temps never get to below 40.  Please help.  Chuck

Answer
Chuck.  If what I think is happening is happening, this is a very easy fix.  Take the hood off of the motor and watch the starter when you try to start the motor.  If the starter gear, on top of the starter is spinning, but not engaging with the fly wheel like it should, simply take a screw driver or something else that will work as a "gentle" pry bar and pry up on the starter drive gear.  When the starter is engaged, the gear on the top of the starter is supposed to spin up and engage the fly wheel, but if it is stuck down for some reason, it will just spin free.  Just pry it loose and make sure the gear will travel up to the fly wheel freely then try to start the motor again.