Let me say it again. The ring gear is good. I had it off during a tranny rebuild. Not missing any teeth. No marks, no visible wear, its good all the way around, looks like new.

When the starter does slip, the noise it makes is smooth sound, no grinding at all. Just the sound of the starter turning at high RPM's. Similar to what you would hear when bench testing it. It sounds like there is no ring gear on the engine at all. No contact, no meshing, nothing. But of course there is. So I can only conclude that the bendix gear is slipping, or its not engaging, but I can hear the solenoid "clunk" so I assume it is working.

I appreciate your input. Thanks

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I got too many cars!! Insurance eats me alive. Dave

78 Corvette Stingray - 3k
82 242 Turbo Volvo - Manual - 270k
86 300e 5 speed manual - 210k
87 420sel - 240k
89 560sl - 78k
91 420sel - 205k
91 560sel - 85k
94 GMC Suburban - 90k
97 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail - 25k
00 GMC Silverado 1 ton 30k