Opened the flywheel cover and found....

[BlitzK]

I had the symptoms of a bad bendix so I pulled the motor and took the flywheel cover off.

First thing I noticed was metal shavings/rust everywhere... like almost a 1/4 cup worth.
The o-ring seal was missing about a 3" piece from the top..

From what I can see, the flywheel is in good shape, just some surface rust.

The bendix is rusted up, so that does need to be replaced.

I tried to pull the starter, removed the 2 bolts at the rear of the starter that holds it to the block but it won't come out. I've tried to pry it from the front, tap the gear from the inside, etc. It won't bugde. Am I missing something?


Also looking at the stator, the edges of it look worn off. the a few of the tips (ones that face the motor) look broken/melted off. Would the rust cause this, or is it something else?

I'll try to take some pictures and post them here shortly.

[BlitzK]

When I opened the stator cover (minus 1/4 cup of shavings/rust)

[BlitzK]

The broken/missing section of O-Ring...

[BlitzK]

The bag-o-shavings... about 80% of it

[BlitzK]

Close up of the Stator...

[BlitzK]

The pickup... It's not magnetic, is it?

[BlitzK]

[BlitzK]

[BlitzK]

[BlitzK]