[Mg-t] TD Starter problem

[Stuart Keen]

I have always had an annoying starter problem with my TD (purchased 12 years
ago), but now it is getting worse. Now, up to fifty percent of the time, the
starter pinion gear does not properly engage the flywheel and in the
attempt, I hear either a loud "clunking" or a whirling of the starter motor.
At first I thought there might be an electrical problem, that the starter
motor was not throwing outward the pinion gear far enough, that there was
insufficient current (or dirt on the Bendix). So, battery was replaced
yesterday (found one bad cell), cables were replaced, starter switch was
replaced last week. Problem still existed. A new starter was also installed.
No change. Nothing else in the electrical circuit to consider.

This morning, while starting the TD by manually pushing in the plunger of
the starter switch, I came to the conclusion it is a mechanical problem, not
electrical, but I don't know how to fix. When the engine starts OK, the
pinion gear engages the flywheel without a sound. When there is a problem,
you can definitely hear a mismatch of gears; i.e. the clunking noise.

So where is the adjustment for starter position? In addition to a new
starter, the XPAG engine was recently professionally rebuilt by Glenn9s MG
Repair in Tampa. The flywheel was inspected and there was no noticeable wear
nor were there any teeth missing.

The starter is physically mounted with two bolts. I see no means of any
adjustment.

I'm curious if anyone else has had this problem and what the fix might be.
Thanks for your help.

Stu Keen
1951 MG TD MKII