Ok all. Working on the C has reminded me that perhaps I have forgotten more that I knew! Also the nuances of wrenching on OLD airplanes is a challenge since little is documented. So here goes, follow me: This Engine originally had a “Fine Tooth (122)” pitch Ring Gear and associated Starter. Somewhere along the way the 122 was replaced with a 149 Tooth Ring Gear. The starter that WAS installed was a listed approved starter (MZ 4222), not sure of the Pinion tooth count. NOW, the Ring Gear support that is on there has a Flange/Lip that the Ring Gear rests on. Other supports, like that is on my F does not. At first I ASSUMED that the Ring Gear was not Properly seated or was thicker than normal so I bought a new Ring Gear. It was only after I cut off the still quite useable Ring that I discovered the Support Discrepancy. I called Eileen at Enparts in Dallas (actually Lancaster) and she knew EXACTLY what the issue was, without even seeing the parts! BTW, she is a great source for Engine parts and knowledgeable! So, it was spend more $$ and get a different Support or install the purchased Ring Gear and “adjust” the Starter Pinion Gear teeth as needed. I chose the latter as I could not take the Sky Tech back and NOW it is obvious that I should have chosen that route in the first place! Now for those that don’t know and that was me too, the Ring Gear installation is quite simple; Cut the old Ring Gear off. Clean and inspect the mating surface. Mark Ring Gear for proper teeth orientation (chamfered teeth edge towards starter side). Put Support in Freezer and Bake Ring Gear in your wife’s over at 450’ till hot (not glowing red hot, just hot). Place ice cold Support on solid flat surface and using your wife’s best oven mitts carefully remove from oven and observing CORRECT orientation drop into place. It will be quite loose but after it cools it will be stuck on good....it’s almost all back together but still not flying as I now have an Exhaust Stack issue as I discovered not one but TWO risers that are unairworthy. Now I have to get that repaired/ replaced!!
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