Missing flywheel teeth
 

While trying to start the boat after the winter It sounds like the starter is grinding the teeth on the flywheel
. I had the same problem last year but now the starter just whirs and does not connect to the flywheel teeth. I put a new starter on last year.
I am going to have the motor pulled and see if I need a new flywheel.
Any idea of the cost?
It is a 1996 Bravo 3 Merc with 600 hours on the engine

SL, I'd check the starter to make sure that the mounting bolts are tight. If they are tight, remove the starter and check to see if the Bendix drive is working and not stripped. Then turn the engine over by hand, use a mirror if you have to to check for missing teeth on the ring gear.
I had one that sounded like the ring gear was missing teeth, and all it was was a loose starter, the mounting bolts had loosened up.

Good luck.

Terry
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Also check that your battery is fully charged and that the electrical contacts are clean and tight.
Hope it's that easy!

Missing Teeth
 

If you are missing teeth on the flywheel you will most likely just need to replace the "ring gear" rather than the entire flywheel. Any compentent auto maching shop ( if you can find one) should be able to handle that. Most marine engines use a heavy flywheel similar to a manual transmission automotive unit.

Good Luck

Charlie T

Will this work: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCRUISER-F...f2f3c0&vxp=mtr ? You never mentioned what engine you have.

Wow, car, boat and plumbing problems? Sounds like you are off to a rough start this season.

Don't break the Yamaha!

i see over 5000 cars at my auto repair shop a year and can only remember 1 car over the last 2 years that had a flywheel issue related to stripped teeth. if i was to guess what your issue is...flywheel would be the absolute last...no question. things at the top of the list would include defective starter/solenoid...battery and or cable connections...starter shims...ignition wiring. if you can replace your starter...you can remove and inspect flywheel and bench test starter...start there. if not...i agree above where a qualified mechanic can diagnose in 1 hr or less...

after re-reading your post...why would you pull your motor to inspect your flywheel??? pull the starter and turn engine over by hand to inspect flywheel. i can only think of a couple reasons to pull motor...inspect flywheel is not one...