i believe they made that starter drive gear with softer metal so it could wear as you kick it in and out so the flywheel, which is a lot of work to replace, wouldn't wear out - last month i thought my gear was worn out and pulled the starter and the end housing had broken - i had an old one for parts and love fixin without leaving the house - ticks me off that i move my truck a little bit now and then in compound low driving on the starter - never had too much trouble in the 3100's but my 250 weighs alot more - too old to learn? who me?

gramma said "if ya wanna dance, ya gotta pay for the music" she lived to be 104 - that's one tough "bolt"