Starter quit working today. Turned but did not engage flywheel. Removed starter and it bench tested fine. Stuck my hand in the starter hole. Teeth felt fine, but I found this in hole. What the heck? I figured it's part of the t o bearing, but the clutch works fine, and it shifts fine. I didn't realize there was brass in the bearing.

Yeah it sure looks like part of a release bearing but I have never seen one chewed up like that.

Figured it out. There is no way that part of the t o bearing could come off the pilot shaft and still be in a complete circle. I did replace the starter while it was out. Took a good look at starter I took out, and it appears the bushing and end cap came off the starter end. All pieces accounted for. Think I dodged another bullet!

You sure did! Glad you caught it before it could have damaged the transaxle.

It's difficult to help with no context of size.
It is always helpful to use a familiar object like a coin.

I will offer that I bet that is why your starter motor stopped working

Just a WAG if it's a little larger than a nickle it could be the bronze bearing from a
starter nose cone.

It's more the size of a half dollar, but that is it!


Rich, I indeed should have included something for size reference.