So about 2 months ago my starter went, broken connection between the solenoid and body, partsource said it was irrepairable and I shelled out 200 for a new one... Last friday truck wouldn't start, starter spins won't turn engine. I figure solonoid is f'd (it was a rebuild), so i pull it off. bench test seems ok, but I notice...drumroll... no starter pinion gear. The whole thing has disappeared off the end of the bendix... so question is, where is it now? I'm hoping in the bottom of the oilpan, but I'm worried that if I put on a new starter and try to crank the engine that the missing gear may show up somewhere I don't want it to.

 

It's probably in the bottom of the bellhousing. It can't get in the oil pan.

 

There should be a plastic cap on the button of the bellhousing...pull it out and is a mirror or something to look in there...or take off the slash guard an look in there