Ok, thanks for all the info.. I'll look into purchasing a new starter. :/

On 8/17/05, Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@optonline.net> wrote:
> The starter gear is actually driven by a one-way "sprag" clutch. These
> rollers are part of that clutch. They work by jamming and driving the
> gear when the starter motor turns. Then, when the engine starts, it
> allows the gear to freewheel so it can retract without over speeding the
> starter motor.
> 
> Dennis
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Sudhir Desai
> Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 7:44 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: 3-4 needle bearing style pins fall out of starter area when I
> removed the starter?
> 
> I have attached a picture of the pin/needle bearing.
> 
> I removed the starter and found 3-4 of these trapped on the starter
> "shelf" (the bottom of the starter hole). Any clue as to what they
> are?
> 
> Thanks in advance.
> Sudhir
> 
> 
>