kawai 650 starter issues

[whennotsailing]

Let my preface this by asking if there is any Kawai action on this forum, or is it all sj's? Anyways, wondering if someone can help...

A buddy has a '93 kawai 650 that his starter keeps getting hung up on. If you reach in there with a long screwdriver and give the starter casing a little tap with a hammer sometimes it will free itself and crank again.

When I say getting stuck, it appears that the starter is popping out and not meshing with the flywheel correctly, its not like a bad spot in the motor where it wont turn. You hear it click out but then it isn't engaging. Thoughts?

 

[Crab]

Sounds like bad bendix or brushes if the motor won't spin. Check solinoid and cables also.

 

[whennotsailing]

voltage is at the solenoid (both sides) as well as out to the starter. Took the starter out of the ski and ran power through it, it cranks and seems to function fine.

 

[Coreyf983]

Pull the flywheel cover and check if there are any teeth that are damaged? if not, make sure the starter is bolted in tight. I used to run into problems after getting big air, the starter would shift a bit, then act funny when it didn't line up perfectly.

 

[whennotsailing]

I don't remember looking closely, but can that cover be removed without pulling the engine out? (I am assuming so?)

 

[Cliff]

it can but the motor will come out just as fast, then you can work on it

 

[whennotsailing]

it was really really dirty brushes. fig'ed it out.