> We can all learn.  I did not know that on an "older" starter the gear would remain engaged until it was rotated, like when the engine starts.  My B&C is spring loaded to retract when not in use, thus I have never encountered my starter with the "ben dix" sticking out................

 

 

Since all of my prior airplanes have been Piper & Cessnas all with Lycoming engines, I was taught the way to properly lubricate the starter bendix was to click the starter to engage it, then spray the shaft with dry lubricant (to prevent attracting dirt)  then start the engine to retract the bendix.  It has worked for me for 21 years. 

duane 75 PA28-151 (O320), 78 182Q (O470), 78 177 (O360), 79 TR182 (O540) and now Super ES planning IO550.