20 HP merc starter problems

[Longknife 76]

I have an older "70s' 20 hp merc and the stater will not turn over the moter with the plugs in. Pull the plugs and it it will turn it over! I took the starter to a auto elec rebuilder and they said the armature is bad but can't find one anywhere, been waiting since last oct..... any ideas??? Thanks, Ed ( tried jumping direct to the starter with a new battery too!!!)

[Savage]

Take your starter off and take it with you to the dealer. Sometimes they have some old ones laying around that were taken off of junk motors. You might get lucky! Wouldn't hurt to check small engine shops as well. You might find a starter that will work with just a Bendix spring change. At least your motor is small enough to hand crank easily if all else fails. Good luck!!
Savage

[Longknife 76]

Savage, checked my dealer first- none available. They referred me to another person and said"if he ain't got it, it can't be got" Well he didn't so thats when I took it to a rebuilder -----------6 mo. ago--------------- Oh about that pull starting, its the hardest thing to crank I ever tried----Could this be the problem? Thanks, Ed

[quickdtoo]

Check these places out...

http://www.outboardexchange.com/

http://www.eastcoastmarineservice.com/starters.htm

[Savage]

Quick has got you headed in the right direction! I checked out those links, after looking at the prices, that pull rope may be looking better! The prices look to be in line with dealer prices tho.  In light of the age of the motor, it might be time to be looking at replacement. Good luck!
Savage