Starter motor issues

[Feo23]

I've got a 94 Hunter 29.5 with a Yanmar 2GM20F with a bad starter. It had been starting just fine but the last time it started I got a high pitched whine. The next time it would not start and I could hear a gear spinning with the engine not turning over. The battery is good and I tapped the solenoid a few times with a hammer but nothing worked.

Any suggestions before I replace the whole unit? Dreading that as the bolts look pretty frozen.

Thanks

 

[jssailem]

1. got a high pitched whine
2. next time it would not start and I could hear a gear spinning with the engine not turning over

This combination sounds like the bendix is not pushing the starter gear onto the fly wheel.

My approach, to understand this issue, would be to remove the starter and take it to an auto electrical shop and have them test the starter.

 

[Feo23]

Found the issue, never seen this one before.... Unfortunately, on closer inspection, the shaft appears to be bent.

 

[jssailem]

Surprise... That is your boat playing tricks on you.
Likely would never have seen it had you not removed the starter.

You are halfway towards fixing the issue.