Honda Outboard Woes

[Bonchienne]

I have a 2006 WWP19 with a 2005 Honda 5HP long shaft motor. When starting the motor, the starter wheel jams with the flywheel. Each occurrence gnarls some of the starter wheel’s teeth. I have replaced the starter wheel, but the problem persists. Any suggestions? Thanks Much

[a64pilot]

I believe your bendix needs cleaning and possibly lubricating.
The little spring isn’t strong enough to disengage the gear if there is dirt and or corrosion on the shaft.

[Bonchienne]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I believe your bendix needs cleaning and possibly lubricating.
The little spring isn’t strong enough to disengage the gear if there is dirt and or corrosion on the shaft.

a64pilot, thank you. I’ve got Honda marine grease. Will try that.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Bonchienne

a64pilot, thank you. I’ve got Honda marine grease. Will try that.

Take it apart and clean it with a green scotch bite pad, or 400 or so grit sandpaper, and I’d use an oil. That spring isn’t that strong.
I believe often how a bendix works is that the inertia of the gear keeps it from spinning and the gear screws itself up the shaft and engages the big gear, then when the engine is running it’s mostly just gravity and that light weight spring that pulls it back down. The spring can’t be strong or it wouldn’t be raised to begin with.
Grease can have enough resistance so that the gear may just spin as opposed to travel up the threads.

That gear needs to rotate and slide up those threads with no resistance or binding.

[Bonchienne]

a64pilot, Thanks so much. Will clean as you directed.

[a64pilot]

It could also need to be shimmed so that the gear doesn’t engage so deep, but if it’s not been off and is the original starter, then it shouldn’t need to be shimmed.
I’m assuming this is the original starter.
If cleaning it up and a light coat of oil doesn’t help you may consider a new starter.
When you have it off check to see how much wobble the shaft has, even a new one has some, but if it has a lot it may be worn out.

[Bonchienne]

Thank you. Will look for wobble and will consider a new starter.