John,
Sounds to me like someone put the wrong replacement bendix on that starter,and now it,s compounded by the 2nd wrong one.
What diameter is the flywheel?
If you have to keep that flywheel to fit that engine,then just change the ring gear!
HEAT,Son,HEAT and it will literally fall off,just let it cool naturally.
I have even flipped the gear over and used the good side when none available.
Whatever You do,just Make Sure You get the correct tooth count for the starter drive to MATCH the flywheel.
regards,
steve sr.

Last edited by steve sr; 11/11/2014 6:34 AM.