Starter just whines, Mercruiser 496 MAG

[4n6PI]

Hi all,

It seems I will need to replace the starter in my 1997 SCR 2800. When I turn the key it just whines and does not engage the flywheel. Up to this point I have not performed any troubleshooting as I am not really sure what to do other than replace it.

Things I know are:
The engine is a 496 MAG.
It was repowered in 2009.
The Factory part number for the starter is 863007A1. (I spoke with Mercury)

My questions are:
Do I need to stick with OEM? Not interested in cheap, looking for quality.
If not, what brands do I look into and or stay away from.
(only want to do this once)

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thank you,

James

[mmwjr]

Probably not the flywheel ring gear but I would first remove the starter to verify the starter gear is not staying retracted when cranking. You may also try tapping the back of the starter to see if it frees up and this will tell you it’s the issue.

These starters have gear reduction and the cheap ones use plastics gears so look for one with metal gears but they can be hard to locate.

[jrsick]

Is your battery fully charged?
If the starter is whining then it's not grinding or clicking. In that case it's likely the solenoid is faulty.
Like Mike recommended, try tapping the starter and solenoid with a screwdriver while starter is engaged. Tap on the side vice ends to avoid the power and ground cables.
OEM starters are good quality. Sierra makes good ones also.

[shrew]

That starter was replaced in June 2016.

[4n6PI]

Hi JRSICK,

Yes, the batteries are fully charged. WIth that said that doesn't mean they are not going bad. I will test them when I go down to "tap" on the starter.
Thank you for the reply

[4n6PI]

Hi Shrew,

Thank you for the information. Not knowing the life span of marine starters, I would assume though it should not be bad. Do you have any suggestions prior to having a marine mechanic come out? Or, stick with the tapping of the starter first and go from there.
As always, I appreciate all the replies.

James

[shrew]

Originally Posted by 4n6PI

Hi Shrew,

Thank you for the information. Not knowing the life span of marine starters, I would assume though it should not be bad. Do you have any suggestions prior to having a marine mechanic come out? Or, stick with the tapping of the starter first and go from there.
As always, I appreciate all the replies.

James

I would expect many more than 2 yrs out of a marine starter. If tapping the side with a Lg screwdriver handle doesn't do it, then also check to see if the mounting bolts somehow backed off. Maybe the starter gear isn't engaging the flywheel?

[4n6PI]

Thank you very much, I will give it a shot over the weekend and report back what happens.

[shrew]

I think those starters have a bendix gear. You could have the internal gears stripped even if the gear in contact with the flywheel looks good......Theoretically. That would lead to a similar condition. That would require a starter replacement or maybe a rebuild.

[4n6PI]

Originally Posted by shrew

I think those starters have a bendix gear. You could have the internal gears stripped even if the gear in contact with the flywheel looks good......Theoretically. That would lead to a similar condition. That would require a starter replacement or maybe a rebuild.

Hi Shrew,

Thank you again, I did not get to the boat this weekend.. Kids and baseball :-) I will be down tomorrow. I will report back what I find.



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[Gugi47]

And if you have of the starter check the gear from the flywheel to. I hope that's not the problem. That can be very price to replace. But remember you engine is 21 years old...
Good luck.

[4n6PI]

Originally Posted by Gugi47

And if you have of the starter check the gear from the flywheel to. I hope that's not the problem. That can be very price to replace. But remember you engine is 21 years old...
Good luck.

Thank you for the info...
So, luckily for me I was able to move the flywheel and the starter still whines. FYI, repowered in 09 but, still old enough :-)

I am going to try to replace it this coming weekend. Hopefully, all will go relatively smooth.