starting issue

[gofishingtom]

have an older evinrude 78 40 horse that had electric push button start on it.Worked great all weekend and on monday when son went to start it he pushed the button and the smaller fly wheel on the coil i believe spun but wouldnt go high enough to engage the big flywheel to start the motor..Any help would be appreciated? suggestions? or does it need to be replaced..thanks in advance

[Surface Tension]

That is your starter and the gear on the end pops up to engage onto the flywheel. Most likely theres old grease on the shaft, clean it.

[gofishingtom]

surface,

Will i be able to pull out that smaller fly wheel enough to clean it off or do i have to take it off motor to clean off.. or would some wd40 work to loosen it up so it comes out further..

[Surface Tension]

WD-40 will work. No need to take it off just spray the shaft and work it up and down by hand.