On Sat, 24 Feb 2001 11:29:50 -0800, Robert Gruber <rgruberj@USWEST.NET>
wrote:

>I bought this van about 4K miles ago.
>From the beginning when "starting" the starter had problems:
>
>  1. 1 It would occasionally whir without engaging the flywheel, then
>     suddenly drop into engagement
>  2. 2 Upon prolonged cranking, it would jump out of engagement
>
>Lately it did #1 without engaging consistently, until I had it out and a
>shop went through it .
>They replaced the solenoid, but could find no other problem.
>
>I thought maybe it was the wrong flywheel, but it has 132 teeth with a
>pressed on gear, so it seems to be the correct one.
>
>could the starter gear be wrong? it has 9 teeth
>
>Someone thought it could be out of alignment, but I think that's
>doubtful; the pins around two of the engine/trans bolts hold that
>alignment, and the starter is solidly in its hole.
>
>Any thoughts would be appreciated; feel free to reply directly.
>
>TIA
>

Your starter gear is correct. It sounds like the bushing in the nose of
your starter is worn allowing for the shaft to flex.