Starter motor problem

[tomlucke]

I started up my traveller this morning,
Span on the starter motor for a few secs then made a metallic clunk and then a horrible grinding sound.
The engine was difficult to turn by hand and I thought the starter motor might be the problem.
I removed it to find the buffer spring compressed and the pinion cowling stuck.
I've put a different starter motor in and it seems fine.
I'm concerned that this might happen again.
It's an ital engine and has only run a few miles.
I seem to remember that you sometimes need to use a spacer on the starter motor...could this be the problem or was it just a dodgy starter?

Many thanks

Tom

[bmcecosse]

You need to check if the starter gear is clear of the flywheel when at rest. The damaged one probably just needs a new Bendix fitted.