Starter problems.

[Preben]

I´m restoring a MKII thats been standing still for many years, and i think that i understand why.
There is a problem with the starter motor (pre-engaged). I had it down and took it to a specialist, as i saw that both the bendix gear and the solenoid was new, and he said it worked fine, but it does not in the car.
When i try to start, it seems ok, untill the engine tries to start, then the starter disengages, so i never get it started.
Is this a normal behavior or what can be wrong?
I´m not too keen on buying a new or refurbished starter motor, if i can solve the problem with the old one.

[Charles H]

The pre engaged starter should continue to turn as long as you keep turning the key. It should only stop turning when you release it. If this is not happening, I would suggest that it is not the starter at fault, but the wiring to it, probably the ignition 'switch' at the back of the barrel. It is very easy to check this especially if you have a spare one. Just plug it in using the connection blocks under the dash/ steering column and turn it with a large screwdriver. Good luck.
If the starter continues to turn but disengages from the flywheel, try different shim amounts where the starter fits into the bell housing.

[Preben]

Thanks!
I have no extra switch, and no shims, i suppose i will have to order shims from Rimmer bros.
It spins, but disengages.

[bigestate]

Might be a long shot but have you checked the teeth on the flywheel when the starter motor was out.
I bought a PI once that would start and discover the teeth on the flywheel were badly worn and the ring gear had slipped half off the flywheel. The starter on the PI would try to engage but would disengage pretty much immediately.
Just a thought

[Preben]

Not too long shot.
When i had the starter motor down the first time, i noticed that the ring gear had mowed quite a bit, so i took the gearbox and flywheel down and fixed it, i even welded it to avoid such things in the future, and the ring gear was ok.

Which thicknes of shims will i need? I have some one millimeter aluminium i can use.