dad6timz,

I have heard that an engine will come to rest in two places consistently. This would mean the ring gear would see the most amount of wear in these same two places.

Your rig has a stomp starter, so the Bendix is actuated by "foot". I think if it were a ring gear issue, things would spin and grind.

My first thought would be to check the linkage to the starter switch AND the starter switch.

If the dust cover is off the flywheel (?), you might turn it and inspect the ring gear...be sure the key is off.

You should be able to feel a difference in your foot when you mash the starter between a 'clunk' and a successful start.

Do some more investigation...watch your fingers!

Stuart