Spike66

So I'm cleaning the starter getting ready to paint it up before bolting back on the block. While digging out the built up crud inside the starter gear housing, I found this:




Does anyone know what this is and where it came from? I know only because I'm involved in an engine rebuild project. And this question: What's it doing in there? To this I have no idea and am interested in any conspiracy theory.

Bar Racing

Looks like a piece of flywheel cover

GCD1962

Part of clutch fork spring that attached TO bearing

Spike66

Yes. But why would it land in the starter and not tear the whole thing (starter) to shreds?