Yep!
You're correct. I was simplifying. If you walked into an auto electric
shop you would usually ask for the Bendix to get what you need.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Mike S
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2007 9:33 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Starter won't engage ring gear when sit for a while

At 07:59 AM 9/7/2007, Dennis Haynes wrote...
>The gear is attached to the starter shaft with a one way or
>overrunning
>clutch. This is often referred to as a "Bendix". This prevents the
>armature
>from being over run and destroyed during the brief moment when the
>engine
>starts and the solenoid is released. Most likely it is bad.

Just to be pedantic, but "Bendix" actually refers to the pinion
engagement mechanism. The one way clutch is actually a "Sprag."

Our VWs (along with most modern starters) combine both Bendix and Sprag
mechanisms with solenoid assist for the pinion (which is called a "Dyer
drive").