I have a honda gx390 engine on my pressure washer. The engine is equipped with electric start. The starter will not engage into the flywheel. The battery has been charged to over 12 volts. The starter turns over so fast it acts like it won’t let the bendix go into the flywheel. I bought a new starter thinking it was a bendix issue and the new one does the same thing. New solenoid came with the starter. What am i missing???
I’m not sure how to help on this one but you’ll have a better chance of getting some responses if you briefly introduce yourself. 
I am a farmer in central Ohio. I run the family farm and do most all the repairs and maintenance on all the farm equipment. I graduated from the American Motorcycle Institute (AMI) in 1974 and certified in small engine repair, specializing in 2-stroke engine repair and performance enhancement with training from the past Team Suzuki Racing Team head mechanic. Also had mechanical engineering courses and training from Yamaha Factory school. With this all said, I do not know what the gx390 problem is and need a perspective from others that have more experience and knowledge. Thank you.
Bench tested starter? Also, are you sure your getting full voltage to starter solenoid?
I did bench test the new starter. The Bendix was well lubed with what appeared to be a graphite-based grease. The starter ran without issue but the normal Bendix operation looked strange to me. The little starter and solenoid does not have a “yoke” to thrust the Bendix into position but relies on the centrifugal spinning to thrust the Bendix forward and equipped with a return spring to disengage the Bendix once power is discontinued to the starter. I’ve seen similar starters with the Bendix riding on a worm gear center to help thrust the Bendix forward but this one has the worm included into the gear reduction part of the starter in the nose cone. Again, all this is well-lubed and free. I was wondering if the battery is actually putting too many amps to the starter and spinning it so fast that the Bendix won’t thrust outward. Doesn’t make sense to me but that’s how it appears to be acting.
Paul
Hi Paul, my name is Tim, I have a honda gx390 with the same issue that you are having, I have tried several after market starters on this gx 390, they all do the same as you are describing, in fact the original starter had the same problem to begin with, these honda oem starters are quite pricey so I decided to go with the after market starters, now I’m afraid to purchase the oem starter because of fears that it may not engage either and the return policies, so pleae if anyone has any ideas I am certainly interested in hearing them. Thanks! Tim
Tim, welcome… this post is from nearly 4 years ago and I don’t believe @phazlett8812 is around here anymore.
Can you still pull start it?
Yes, it will start right up with the pull rope
Yeah,I seen how old the post was after I sent my reply,lol
When you turn the key what happens? Any movement or sounds?
