Old Style Starter problem

[rbibb]

On my RV-4 I have the old style, Prestolite (I think that is the mfg.), weighs a ton, starter on my O-320 Engine.

It died.

Well not exactly, the motor spins fine but the Bendix gear does not engage.

Took it apart and found that the drive gear (one that engages with the pinion gear on the motor) would rotate freely on the shaft. It appears that the gear has a small woodruff key slot (so small it is hard to see) but I cannot get the gear off the shaft. Using a gear puller I can move the gear about 1/8" on the shaft and then it freezes up so tight it won't budge. If I tap it back into place it rotates freely on the shaft.

I should probably take some pictures.

Anyone know how these things go together (or come apart)?

I hate to invest in a new starter when it seems like such a trivial fix.

Open to suggestions.

 

[Mike S]

Not sure about aircraft starters, but for a lot of car units------which I believe yours is derived from-----

Look for a keeper ring, push the gear assembly as far back from the end as you can, look for a small wire ring in a slot close to the end of the shaft.

 

[ArlingtonRV]

The manual for the starter can be found here. At least this is the one I used for mine.

http://www.csobeech.com/files/PrestoliteStarterAlternatorManual.pdf