Question on 69 E flywheel/ring gear

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I haven't dropped the motor yet to confirm, but from all appearances the ring gear on my 69 E is toast.

For the past week, there's been quite a lot of racket starting the car (4-6 times total) with a few turns of the key resulting in a spinning starter motor pinion gear...no connection with ring gear. Once underway, car ran and drove fine, clutch is very good, smooth. I was hoping it was just the starter motor, so swapped a good one in today with no luck, exact same thing. Looking at a few teeth on the flywheel (through starter hole), they seem pretty beat up.

Other interesting facts: last night, there was a definite, but slight vibration coming from the motor, and while under the car this morning, noticed a decent amount of oil about, and from it's pattern, am guessing the rear main seal is bad.

Questions:
Is it possible the flywheel is loose, causing the initial start-up noise, clashing with starter motor and new vibration?

Thoughts on perhaps something out of round with the crank, hence the vibration, rear main seal leak?

Would it be smart to "upgrade" to a 70+ flywheel, separate ring gear, and 225mm clutch? My current clutch is very good.

Car has 106K on it BTW.

Thanks in advance for your good thoughts.

[Grady Clay]

Shaun,

A loose flywheel can be a big deal. Not only can the flywheel be damaged but so can the crankshaft. You may be able to tell through the starter opening. If any possibility, pull the engine.

A slightly sticky solenoid combined with the natural tendency for the engine to come to rest in one of three locations (located 120° apart) will cause this. It is due to a piston coming up on compression and that happens every 120°. Usually the ring gear and starter pinion are both damaged.

On ’69 and earlier 911s the ring gear is integral with the flywheel. While it is possible to just replace the starter pinion, it is better to install a remanufactured Bosch starter and get all new parts.

Good thoughts – Good luck!

Best,
Grady

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks Grady, I'm pulling the motor tomorrow night, will report back with pics, questions on what I find.