Hi John,
The repair/replacement was done in 2013. I am assuming you are talking of the small part on the right of the picture, I think this was fastened to the quick thread with a pin, however I have been to sleep several times since then and my memory may be at fault. I do remember there was a deal of discussion at the time between Bradford on Avon and Lima, later the engine was removed to replace some piston rings and on replacing the starter one of the two fixing threads gave up the struggle. A ratchet strap around the starter motor and bell housing held until we got back to Blighty.
I believe the broken ring was welded and machined back to size and David supplied a newly manufactured item, which we used is beyond me.
Give him a call and enquire
Regards Kingsbridge Jack

Location: Devon for the week

John you are correct it IS swaged on but loosely so that it can rotate.
When the starter pinion engages with the ring gear it becomes momentarily stationary, but the commutator continues to rotate thus winding up the bendix spring. At this point the bendix spring shrinks in diameter clamping down on the 2 dogs. The driveline now becomes solid and the pinion begins to rotate( starts the car). If the 2 dogs were not in place the bendix would continue to wind up (hourglass) till it breaks. The dogs are always engaged but take no drive load. hope this is correct. am always nervous being in the company of experts, cheers Russell

Location: oz

Hi Squeak,

It is my understanding that your explanation is correct- the piece is only a spring support and does not play any part in the drive.

Cheers, Tony.

Location: Melbourne. Victoria, Australia.

Again, thank you Russell and Tony.

Finally, I've got the picture and in fact it should work just as well with the female dog being cracked and loose as it is. As the spring winds up, it will close the crack

John

I think the spring absorbs some of the initial shock as the pinion engages on the flywheel. Perhaps the spring is not as good as it once was.