Do you have to align the bendix on a starter?

[SimpRegent]

Since I removed my starter, now the starter spins then there is a loud clank and the engine starts. Do you have to align a bendix so it hits the flywheel correctly?

 

[earthworm]

I THINK so ..Never had to do this with automobiles ..But I look at the Simplicity and I see shims . Do secure a consensus.

 

[reynoldston]

Yes very much so and automobiles also. As a rule you don't have to align starters but every once in a wile you have one that is out of alignment.

 

[SimpRegent]

Yes very much so and automobiles also. As a rule you don't have to align starters but every once in a wile you have one that is out of alignment.

Any idea of how to align it? I cannot move the bendix when mounted to see if it meshes to the flywheel correctly (that I can tell due to the mounting bracket)...
I have googled alignment procedure it without any hits.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Fish]

The discussion is useless, unless we have a clue what you have, and why you even tried to replaced the starter!!!!

 

[Fish]

Well if it now spins, starts, then clanks..... How would that be an alignment issue? Sounds like a problem in the starter, but since Simplicity never made an engine or starter, we don't have a lot to go on!!!

 

[SimpRegent]

Well if it now spins, starts, then clanks..... How would that be an alignment issue? Sounds like a problem in the starter, but since Simplicity never made an engine or starter, we don't have a lot to go on!!!

"Since I removed my starter, now the starter spins then there is a loud clank and the engine starts"
The LOUD clank/crack is when I believe the bendix gear hits the flywheel, the she starts.

And YES, I am waiting on a new starter, just wanted to make sure I have covered all of the bases, especially when the new starter arrives, I want to make sure it is installed correctly (if there was/is an alignment issue).

I would also like to fix the original starter since the one I ordered is not an original Kohler so I will be prepared for the next....

She's only about 13 years old and other that this and a coil problem (oh and a seal from the hydro from putting it in neutral so I could push it), she has been great! Much better than I can say about some cars that I have had!!!!

 

[reynoldston]

I align starter with car front end alignment shims. I have used flat washers in a pinch also. The shims go between the starter housing and the engine block. You a can shim the starter gear closer or farther from the flywheel gear this way by tilting the starter.