A Bendix drive starting motor disengages the drive gear from the flywheel by __________.

Correct Answer: Option D — having the flywheel impart a torque to the starter pinion

A Bendix drive relies on inertia and a threaded sleeve. Once the diesel engine fires and accelerates past the cranking speed, the flywheel imparts a higher rotational speed to the pinion, driving it back along the screw shaft to disengage.