Anyone every had an issue with the Bendiks getting destroyed after 2-4 good starts? Timing, you think? The starter is new and rebuilt. Thx

Hello. Did you move the timing. This is a very odd symptom. When you say destroyed. Spring. Teeth?? Standing by

Hi Sterling, I never moved the timing. The OE starter failed, so I had it rebuilt. After 3-4 starts, it destroyed the bendix/gear. Thought maybe there was an issue with the rebuild. Installed the fresh starter and the same thing happened...bendix gear imploded. I think the timing may be a bit too advanced. Will check it next time on boat. Any other thoughts?

Did the rebuild shop use the correct rotation for that engine? Did it require any shims or spacers for correct engagement?

Hey Tom, they got the rotation right. There were no shims when the starter came off. I'm going in next week with calipers and some extrin shaft shims and starter gears.....praying it's just a little back-off of the timing. Maybe set to +5° instead of +8°.

Sounds like a clearance/starter alignment issue. Shims might do the trick. I would look at the flywheel teeth if you can and be sure they are ok. Also make sure they are not somehow out of alignment