Ring gears, starters and starter drives
Hi Ray,
The modifications to the bendix drive would be extensive, though I have done it for a Chrysler Hemi application with a 24 V starter. It was largely a matter of trial and error and very expensive

. The hemi ran enough static advance (drag engine) and compression to break teeth off the ring gear on kick back when starting

. First came the custom ring ring gear with straight teeth to go with the custom 24 V armature in the starter, then hand ground and hardened double round teeth on the starter pinion with about a dozen different springs of different compression to try to get it to release

. Eventually we found a combination that worked, but not before blowing up more than one custom starter

. On kick back this engine could break the starter base and the web at the back of the block. It was NOT fun testing.

eek:



)
For the time and effort involved, your best bet is a new (or newer used)
starter drive as yours is probably damaged by now, and another new or used ring gear correctly installed. The new ring gears are about $100 and used good starters are available as well. Problem solved, never have to deal with it again

!
Papajam is also very correct. I am not sure why, but all piston engines, even radial aircraft, seem to stop in the same position on shut down. The greater the number of cylinders, the closer to the EXACT same position

! Torn up ring gears in V12 Ferrari's are always in the same 1 to 2 inch area!
When ring gears show damage over a large part of the ring it's a sure sign of a VERY bad starter drive that is tearing it up not just on engagement, but on turning the ring. If you need sources for parts let me know.

Gordon Raymond