Ignition Question on 90 HP Evinrude?

[FootDoc]

I have a 1995 90 HP Evinrude with 307 hours on it. I have had it from new and have never had a single days problem with it. I also don't take it over 4500 rpms. I had not had the boat out for three weeks and took it out today and it typically takes two to three cranks to get it going, but today, after the first crank, the second crank did't crank, but I could hear something spinning, but not cranking. I waited a few minutes and it did the same thing again. I waited a while and it started just fine and I started it 6 or 7 more times over the course of the evening without incident. What do you think? Was this a fluke or something I need to look into? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[legend]

Its the pop-up gear on top of the solanoid that turns the flywheel. Mine sticks sometimes too. Lubricating the pop-up mechanism lightly with WD40 seems to help. If it continues to be a problem, have it checked out.
Regards.

[Reelaxation]

I agree with legend. There is a starter bendix on top of the starter that meshes with the flywheel gear. It uses centrifugal force as it starts to spin to extend into contact with the flywheel gear. A little light oil lubrication on the shaft will probably take care of your problem.
Tight lines and good fishin!
Reelaxation

[seahorse]

Besides a worn or sticking "bendix", a weak battery or poor cable connections can cause the starter to spin too slowly to engage the "bendix".

Clean each connection until it shines.

[FootDoc]

Thanks to all for the great advice. As soon as I figure out how to get to this bendix spring, I will go at it lightly with some WD-40. Also, you are correct, I need to clean up my battery terminals. Same battery now 5 years and running.