Well, no grease. The "pros" I use dont grease the solenoid they said. It's back to them. They tried to find a new bendix but can only find one 5mm longer. I have a core we may be able to cannabalize.

Flywheel looks fine, isnt chewed, and isnt loose in any way. the "pros"and I are sort of dumbfounded. I've shimmed a few Chevy starters to make them engage properly. There's no shimming this one.

BTW, the issue isnt on cold starts anymore. Its all the time. The bendix sounds like it hits the flywheel, grinds a bit and then freewheels. Yet, the pros tell me it doesnt feel like a weak bendix, which are usually really obvious. Damn enigmas.