2004 50 hp 4 Stroke Starter Problem

[Houston_Al]

I have starting problems that popped up out of nowhere. I was on water in early June with no issues and now whenIi tried run it for awhile in my driveway, it won't start. First, I thought bad battery because it would not even attempt to crank. It would just click and make a humming noise. The battery checked out ok, so I popped off cowling and flywheel cover to take a closer look. When I turn the key, I see that the pinion gear at top of starter or crank motor is spinning. But, the pinion gear is not shifting upward to then mesh with the teeth on the flywheel ring gear, which then is supposed to turn the motor over, I guess. Anyone have an idea on how to fix?

Thanks for any help... .

[99yam40]

bendix binding up , or not full power getting to starter

[TownsendsFJR1300]

You might lubricating the shaft where the starter gear goes.

It may be gummed up with old grease.

If you look at the armature, part #2 closely, you can see the machined in grooves that force the starter motor gear upwards..

https://www.boats.net/catalog/yamaha...starting-motor

[pstephens46]

I’ll place a bet on lack of proper amps. Jumper a good battery to the starter and see what happens...