Starter won't stay engaged

[callbay]

150 HP Johnson outboard, late 70's/early 80's vintage.

The small gear on top of the starter engages the flywheel but will not stay engaged for more than a few seconds except once ever 20 tries or so and then the engine usually starts.

Any ideas?
Thanks a lot.

 

[oldhp]

Bad starter solenoid.

 

[hansj3]

Not sure that even has a solenoid. That probably just has a simple bendix. See if there are any replacement parts from omc. Otherwise you may be in for a starter

 

[ledslinger]

The drive isn't really a Bendix type drive, but a simple inertial engaging drive. They often have a rubber cushion system that I think can slip if worn. If it initially engages then kicks out, it may be due to the starter not functioning properly or the engine beginning to start then dying which may kick it out.

Sometimes the drive gets sticky on the splines, try raising the gear and oiling the twisted splines it rides on. A little oil where the gear rides on the armature shaft may help too.

It has a relay that is often called a solenoid, but not a solenoid that mechanically engages the drive. You could test if the relay is keeping the starter running by bypassing the relay with a jumper cable. It will make many sparks and is dangerous to test this way. A better test is to install another relay.