Recognise that description, Neil. I'd already dismantled the starter, wrapped the parts up and put them in a box. Having previously explored all possibilities I am aware of (sprag clutch, worm drive, crossed helixes, inertia bendix, inertia bevels and many others) before settling on a ratchet, I was convinced I'd reached the end of the road. I don't give up easily, but I also accept sometimes one has to face the fact what one is trying to achive ain't going to work.
And that's where I was until my son came across this American manufacturer of sprag clutches where I, for the first time, learnt that the max revs specified for one-way (sprag) bearings probably didn't apply to this particular usage. And so the reprieve, but we really are in the last chance saloon - if this doesn't work I have no other options. Riding a bike that you know you can't re-start if it stalls kinda puts one off using it, hence my recognising that without a starter it would just become an ornament at the rear of the bike shed.
And so another few weeks delay whilst waiting for parts. I'm using that time beefing up the starter casing where it mounts on the engine. It was flexure there whilst attempting an engine start which caused me to abandon the attempt. And thanks to members whose encouragement has helped keep me going.
