Hi, the semi-short version. I had this XJ6 S3 for 5 years. Approx every 25th or 50th time I started, it grinded teeth so it could be heard far away. It always started though.I tried replacing the starter, no change. I tried to install distance ring which it didn't have when I bought it, no change.

I've now decided to replace starter ring (or what it is called on an automatic), a shitty job I'm in the middle of. I see now that the damaged area is only damaged on the front 1/3-1/2 of the teeth. My question is, is that normal pattern, or does it indicate that my starter has been too far away and I therefore should NOT install the the distance ring?

I don't want to do this job again if I can avoid it

 

I have done that job a few times in the 1980s and 1990s for the worn teeth.
The engine stops at one of 3 places at 'shutdown' because of cylinder compression.

I once had the gearbox out of a customer's XJ6 and asked if they wanted a new toque converter drive plate 'while I was at it' because of the worn teeth.

They declined the repair but I went and installed the plate 180 degrees out so the engine would stop at the 3 places between where it was before.
Never said anything to the customer but at least it stopped the occasional 'grinding' at startup.

 

Is this a normal pattern, or is it a pattern that suggests the starter does not go in far enough before it starts turning? Or?