Thought I had another engine seizure...BUT...

[scooper77515]

Got the boat to the ramp, was going to start the boat and warm it up, but the starter ran about 5 seconds without starting, then the 2nd time I hit the button, just "click".

Took the plugs out, "click", and grabbed the PTO and it felt seized up.

After thinking about it a while, I figured that the engine is BRAND NEW, starter is a reman ebay special (read lots of bad about them), and it was turning over just fine, not dragging or bogging or acting like it was getting ready to seize before I stopped and tried to start it again. I figured it HAD to be the starter jammed in the flywheel freezing the engine.

Well, talked it over with some friends and finally pulled the starter our and ENGINE IS FREE!!!

Starter gear has some grindage taken out of the front leading edge, and at this point, not sure what the flywheel looks or feels like.

Anyone had this happen or heard of it?

Is it an installation problem, or just starter issue?

pic attached of the bunged up gear...not bunged up too bad, but you can definitely feel it more than see it.

 

[scooper77515]

Hmmm...was just playing with the starter gear (starter is sitting on my computer desk) and noticed that the shaft is bobbing out of round. Put a dial indicator on it and it is out nearly .100".

Not sure if this is the CAUSE of the problem or a SYMPTOM of it.

I am guessing this is a pretty rare occurrence since nobody has chimed in...