Spacer for 4108 starter

[pcatterall]

I did promise no more posts on this but ( yet) another problem has come up. Someone out there may have the answer!!
The plan was to change my (Drowned) CA 45 inertia starter with internal solonoid for a pre engaged type with the solonoid on top.
My auto electrician now asks if there is a spacer on the existing set up as he now finds that the distance from the starter back plate to the teeth is shorter on the 'new' starter.
The boat is several hours away; I recall that there was something that looked like a spacer ( about 10mm thick) but it seemed to be fastened to the housing although I couldnt find any bolts. The electrician suggests that it would be just held on by the starter bolts and is probably just stuck on with a bit of rust.
Has anyone any experience with this set up or tips in general.
He will take the starter back if it wont fit but that would, at best, be another wasted round trip.
Any advice gratefully received!!

 

[Piddy]

Hi,

IIRC, there was a spacer problem with our 4108 of a few years ago that wrecked a nice new pre-engaged starter by leaving it engaged all the time the engine was running - not good!

That meant we went back to the non pre-engaged with a separate solenoid. That lasted 'till the boat was sold a few years later.

I think the spacer was needed for the pre-engaged but not the older one and I think the pre-engaged was held on with 3 bolts and the other 2. If that makes sense.

cheers