You cant properly check the starter with the primary cover off. All your accomplishing is destroying the ring gear. Pull the starter and rip it down. The starter clutch is probably shot, and the solenoid may be trashed, too. The starter shaft rides and is supported by a bushing in the primary that should also be checked. The shop manual will go a long way in explaining all the components, what to check, etc. That video made my hair stand up lol

 

thanks guy. Yes i understand the outer primary keeps the shaft in place when it engages. video is to show what the symptoms are...when i have the cover on, it makes the same noise...free wheel sound followed by grinding and or a real hard bang like its catching....guess ill tare her down 2nite and see what i can find... ill keep pix posted on here.

thanks again

 

The starter gear spinning permaturely and then engaging into the larger gear will be the cause the grinding sound and excessive wear.
The starter gear should be engaged with the larger gear BEFORE it starts spinning.
There are instances where the starter shaft has to be modified to ensure this does happen.

Ride In Peace