Thread: Starting problem

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I'm not a Corvair guy, but as I understand they're a unique beast. The ring gear that the starter engages is on the pressure plate, not the flywheel; and the flywheel in stock form is riveted, and as the rivets loosen over time, the outer two pieces float away from the center which is bolted to the crank, knocking around on the inside of the bellhousing. From the Corvair guys, if you have a stock, riveted flywheel it will cause you problems, it's just a matter of when. There's a guy who has made a business out of taking the stock, riveted flywheels and bolting them together using locknuts - here's a video of the guys explaining some of the issues - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA9GUTUyRqk
Sounds to me like when your SIL popped the clutch he screwed up the pressure plate, and thus your ring gear. I see an engine & tranny drop in your future....