A month or so ago I posted a query on a starter problem I was having with
my 90 westy (auto).  The rebuilt starter spins up every time, but engages
the flywheel (torque converter) about 20% of the time.

Consensus then was that the final drive require replacing.

I removed the starter for second time, the local bosch shop replaced the
solenoid.  They insisted the final drive was OK.  Same problem on
reinstallation.  When it does engage, it cranks the engine strongly.

I compared voltage across the battery (13.98V) to the voltage between the
negative battery post and the starter's main power terminal and got 13.99V)
Now I've removed it for the third time.  Sitting on the shop floor, powered
from the battery, the starter gear flies out every time.  This year vanagon
does not use a starter bushing.

So is it conceivable that the final drive is bad and this only shows up
when the starter is bolted in place? I've asked to shop to replace
it....just hoping to avoid another removal..sheesh.