Mercury Starter Problem

[jacorces]

I have a Mercury 1994 115 hp outboard. The starter gear will engage and turn the engine. However, as soon as there is any indication the engine is about to start the starter gear disengages, but the engine is not quite ready to continue running on its own. Once the gear has disengaged the starter will continue to turn if I keep the ignition switch engaged. If I prevent the engine from starting and engage the starter the engine will turn until I disengage the starter.
The gear teeth on the starter and flywheel appear good and the solenoid was replaced about one year ago. The starter motor was also rebuilt about one year ago.

Many thanks in advance for your advice!!

[electricalbob]

Sounds like a weak spring on the starter bendix gear. Have you tried another starter motor, preferably a new one, or one that you know works on another engine?

[jacorces]

I attached a picture of the starter drive gear. It looks ok to me but I don't really know what it is supposed to look like. Does the gear look OK???

Many thanks in advance for your input!

[Ski]

Once the engine hits a firing stroke the starter bendix is thrown back down the starter shaft. This is normal, if the the engine doesn't start the starter will continue to turn. Try more choke, once the fuel mixture is correct to keep it running then there she goes! Hope this helps