Abstract: A direct cranking starter drive for an internal combustion engine has a driven member drivably connected to the engine crank shaft and a driving unit drivably connected to the starting motor. A clutch between the driving unit and the driven member is engaged when the engine runs below a running speed for drivably connecting the driving unit to the driven member and is disengaged when the engine runs above the running speed for disconnecting the driving unit from the driven member. Bearings are provided for permitting relative rotation of the driving unit and driven member when the engine is running and the clutch is disengaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to starter gearing of the positive shift dentil type overrunning clutch wherein provisions are made for the resilient means to absorb the torsional loads on the housing body after the starter gearing has become engaged with the engine ring gear, thereby enabling the elimination of a bearing sleeve member under the pinion gear and enabling the use of smaller sized pinion gears, resulting in the use of said starter gearing on smaller pinion gear applications.