I replaced my old bendix a few years ago with the new style bendix. While starting my 1950 front-mount 8N today, I heard a metallic noise from the starter area followed by a 'clunk' that sounded like a small piece of metal falling into the housing below. I'm guessing it was the small pinion from the end of the bendix falling into the clutch housing. (OK, I will admit, it was my second crank of the engine and I may not have allowed the flywheel to stop turning between starting attempts.) My first thought is to pull the starter and replace the bendix while leaving the part laying in the bottom of the housing assuming it was only the pinion from the end of the bendix. Assuming the majority of the bendix comes out with the starter when I pull it, would anyone go to the trouble of splitting their tractor to fish out a small piece of metal from the clutch housing? FYI, After the metallic 'clunk,' I tried starting my tractor and it was obvious the starter was turning with no fly-wheel engagement. I am planning to install another new style bendix. Thanks for your input!