Mercury blackmax starter

[tautog_33]

Hi guys trying to figure out why my starter is disengaging on a 1988 Mercury 135. I need to turn key sometimes 10 times before it will go. I opened up the cowling to see what was happening, the bendix gear was getting thrown back down and then I hear a whining noise. I bought new batteries last year and removed/maintained them over the winter. My local dealer mentioned not getting spark to all cylinders, I told him I am getting 5400 rpm at full throttle so he agreed with me it can't be a spark plug issue.


I know alot of guys run V6 mercs on this site anyone else experience this any info would much appreciated. Thanks!