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Starter Humming

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 8:42 am
by tonydelgreco
I have a 78 F 32 with Chrysler 360's. I think the port starter stayed out on flywheel and motor staled. Now just hums when I try to start. Any body know where I can pick up a rebuilt starter, I live in Massachusetts? Does the port motor counter rotate? Is it worth trying to have the original re-built? Would like to be running before the weekend. Have been working on various issue since June and becoming frustrated to the point of maybe selling and going back to a Sea Ray.

Re: Starter Humming

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 1:42 pm
by WayWeGo
Bob at Beacon Marine should have what you need: 609-713-4602

Re: Starter Humming

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 9:30 am
by tonydelgreco
Thank you. Found a local company that re-builds the original. 24 hr turn around 1 yr. warranty.

Re: Starter Humming

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 11:57 am
by prowlersfish
Look at the flywheel while its off the teeth and make sure ring gear is in place

Re: Starter Humming

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 10:37 am
by tonydelgreco
I am a little ignorant to the ring gear. Where is that in respect to the fly wheel? Starter is ready and will re-install on Thursday, when this horrific heat breaks.

Re: Starter Humming

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 12:07 pm
by prowlersfish
The ring gear is in simple terms the teeth on the flywheel

Re: Starter Humming

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 4:46 pm
by larryeddington
The ring gear is on the flywheel but the starter comes from rear of engine in marine configuration. The ring gear is pressed on flywheel from the front end of the engine like it was to be used on a standard clutch flywheel which is what is what it is. Normally the starter would come from front of engine and not cause the problem. Sometimes the ring gear can be driven by the starter bendix and slip toward the front of the engine causing the starter bendix to not engage. It is a pain in the rear as you have to remove the tranny and flywheel. I Had one welded to the flywheel and solved it. If the flywheel is damaged you cannot get a new one. I have a couple of extra if needed.

Bottom line is if ring gear moved it is part of a design flaw, manufacturer should have made a different flywheel, but must be fixed.

Re: Starter Humming

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2018 8:57 am
by tonydelgreco
Thanks for the help. Will inspect today before I re-install the starter. There was a bunch of oil in the housing of starter bendix. Hope this was leaking over a long period of time to gather all that oil. Will try to inspect bell housing for oil gathering and if oil levels are good in motor and transmission I will let it go till next season. If not I probably will have to separate transmission from motor and change seals. What transmission fluid should I be using? It seems like problems are never ending. Boat must have been a condo on the water before I got it last August. I do feel lucky, and surprised I made it from Boston to my home port when I got it though.

Re: Starter Humming

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2018 9:30 am
by larryeddington
Look through inspection window or with starter out. Ring gear should solid against the shoulder of the flywheel if any gap it will need to be repaired. Ring gears are available, flywheel not available new.

Re: Starter Humming

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 9:13 am
by tonydelgreco
Thanks all. I'm done for the season!!!!!!!!!! Ring gear moved .25" back. This sucks, season is already to short. Will remove and repair when boat is hauled for season next month. 4 K invested this year and only able to take off the dock 4 times and towed back once. Any body want to buy it LOL! :oops: :cry: :(

Re: Starter Humming

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2018 2:37 pm
by oldboat1
The starter may need to be shimmed in order to contact the ring gear. Shims are available at auto parts stores. (Humming means the starter is running, but not engaging flywheel.)