Shattered bendix gear

[brantbatson]

Heard a loud ?clunk? when I tried to start the 8N. When I tried again it was just spinning. Pulled out the starter which is only about 18 months old from TSC. Expected the bendix to be stuck, but it was worse, the gear on it was completely gone!
My question: do I need to drain the oil immediately to fish out the pieces or can I go ahead and replace the bendix and drive with the pieces in the bottom? I?m hoping the vibration and driving around will help them settle to the drain. Thoughts?

 

[Bob]

The starter drive parts CANNOT fall into the oil/crankcase. They fall into the "dry" flywheel housing.

If you search the archives here you will find MANY posts about possible ways to get them out, and differing opinions as to if it's safe to leave them where they are or if the "must" be removed.

 

[brantbatson]

Thanks Bob!

 

[HFJ]

MacReady: Can we fix it?

Commander Garry: It's GONE, MacReady.