<VV> Starter Mystery

[Dale Smiley]

 The stock Corvair Starter DOES NOT use a "Bendix Gear" assembly to engage the Starter!
The 'starter gear' is pulled in by the Solenoid when +12 Volts is applied to the Starter. An internal spring releases the gear when the Solenoid is released by removing the voltage. 
When the Key Switch is placed in the START position it applies +12 Volts to the Solenoid. The voltage produces a magnetic field that 'pulls in' the Solenoid Plunger. The Plunger is physically connected to the starter gear and pulls it into engagement with the flywheel gear. When the Solenoid is fully 'pulled in' it engages a contactor at the rear of the Solenoid housing that applies +12 Volts to the Starter Motor and bypasses the Ignition Resistor.
When the engine starts and you release the Key Switch it returns to the RUN position, removing voltage from the Solenoid. The magnetic field collapses and the internal spring forces the Plunger to its OUT position which pulls the starter gear away from the flywheel and turns off the Motor.
The Hi-Torque Starter uses a 'Bendix Gear' assembly that uses the Starter Motors rotation to make the starter gear engage the flywheel gear. When the engine starts the flywheel gear 'throws' the Bendix Gear back to the Starter. There is no spring involved and I believe it takes the 'kick' from the flywheel when the engine starts to return it to its 'normal' position.
If the engine doesn't start the Bendix Gear may not return to is 'rest' position! 
While your 'mystery' is interesting I think the 'starter gear not releasing' is not the problem!!
JMHO!!!
Regards,
Dale Smiley (oldqmguy)