Starter bendix RR and replacement of starter

Tried to take the starter off man what a pain in the u know what? Ended up having to take the brushes and starter case off so I could monkey with the armature to get the darn thing out of the tractor bendix return spring was caught up behind ring gear. I was able to get the case back together so all the parts are in one place when I get ready to put a new bendix on.

My question is there any tricks to getting the starter back on without having to take the case off again?

To install the starter, keep it close to the block while pulling the front of it up and pushing the bendix back into the hole. The bendix has to go behind the flywheel; your job is to get it over the flywheel. Grinding out an egg shape at the 2 o'clock position before you put it back will make your life easier. While installing the new clutch-type bendix is challenging for some folks, you will be pleased w/ its performance.

Lastly, while the starter is off, polish the block & starter mating surfaces w/ sandpaper to insure a good electrical ground between the two.

2.) Also clean the mating surfaces where the starter's "belly" meets the aluminum endbell. The starter's ground circuit is through that "joint" as well was through the starter endbell-to-flywheel housing joint.

Premie..... ..due to the bassackward suck'em-up design of the N-Starter, neither Bendix is eazy to install over the flywheel starter ring gear.

Howsomevers; the modern "clutch" style Bendix drive is well worth the slightly extra cost.

Tip: use yer left armpitt to remove and install yer Bendix drive. You doubt? Gently clampy yer starter UP-side-DOWN and PRESS down with yer pitts to relieve spring pressure on split-pin keeper. Then with hammer and nail, drive out the split-pin keeper. Simple, ea?

TIP#2: grind/file a "point" on yer keeper for eazier re-insertion upon re-installation..... ..Dell, with dirty pitts

Thanks for the Pic that shows exactly how to grind the opening more. Doesn't that let in debris and water though? Also the advice for getting that bendix spring off I'll give it a try as soon as the new one comes in. I ordered the newer bendix it looks like it would be better anyway. I have some post holes for a new barn to get drilled so I need the ol girl purrin.