thanks all for info. My shaft on starter may be ruined as i may have drilled too deep for the pin at end of bolt to seat properly. "obviously my first starter project". Walt -thanks for heads up, woke up at 2 in morning and was mulling this over and thought "idiot - your on the wrong side of the dam (so to speak) for bolt to get into oil. LOL needed oil change anyway. John - went to vanpelts and ordered NEW 12 volt starter, could not fine Bendix part anywhere in parts for sale. left note to add one on Monday if they do in fact have some. do not have extra starter for parts etc. (my wife always ask -"why do you have 3 of everything ?" ) Of course "choice and availability" is always the answer.
Thanks all for info and answering ALL the weird questions fielded here. Mine in the for front.
Frederic