How much is too wear on ring gear?

Back 18 years ago I took both starters to a rebuilder. When they came home one starter worked beautifully on either tractor. The other starter would not engage on either tractor. Took them both off, Ah ha, a different type of drive that works. Back to the rebuilder. He said, "I only had one in stock, so sent over to the CaseIH dealer for the other, I'll replace that for you." I said, "The one I want you to replace is that damn bendix."

18 years ago, my ring gears were not in excellent shape, nor were they terrible. Similar to what you describe. My starters have not been off in 18 years. Since that time, I split both tractors for clutch replacement, but I did not bother to change the ring gear.

I also find, I never had a starter lock up with these clutch drives. No question they are better than what came new on the tractor. Because they engage softer, they don't damage ring gear teeth.

This much is too much. But it's only like this at the two spots where the engine always stops. I always have the hand crank along and turn the engine a few inches every time I shut it down. Question is, how many times can I do that before it would have been less work to split the tractor and replace the ring gear? Good luck, Wm

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FWIW I've been fooling around with alternative image posting sites in anticipation of the Epson Photo shutdown. So far I think I like Photobucket the best. Punch below for a sample...)

Bob M

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