2GM starter will not disengage

[Hyperion]

I've burnt out 3 starter motors, because they do not disengage after starting the motor. It makes a high-pitched whine after starting. I've learnt to disconnect the starter electrically after the motor starts.
Any solutions?

[Mickeyrouse]

Check the spring on the shaft engaged by the solenoid.

[TrentePieds]

Simplest, easiest, most reliable fix: Replace existing starter with a rebuilt one. they are cheap. Coupla hunnert bux, in and out (our out and in) in less than 1/2 hour.

TrentePieds

[TrentePieds]

Oops - just woke up! You say you've burned out three of them because they would not disengage? And that they DON'T burn out if you disconnect the electrics after the motor starts?

In that case the cause is a constantly energized solenoid - the little cylindrical doo-hickey on top of the starter - and your REAL problem is in the starter switch or some other part of the electrical circuits that feed current to the solenoid.

If you know how to use a "universal meter" to check for voltage, it is dead simple to check the "starter switch" for proper operation. Your boat probably has a "multi position" key-operated starter switch. Most boats do, but that is another instance where "pretty" trumps "good"! Operating the starter solenoid via a simple heavy duty push switch, the "normally off" type, is a far sounder proposition.

TrentePieds

[NorthCoastJoe]

Sounds like a jammed bendix drive. A rebuilt one should have the bendix drive tested/replaced. When you say 3 where did you get them from? I have had brand new Chinese made parts that failed. I only buy from good sources I trust anymore.