Cutting the starter pinion shaft in a small Continental

[asport22]

I know most of the discussions here are on larger Lycomings, but has anyone cut the starter pinion shaft in a small Continental to install one of the lightweight starters? Is that pinion shaft hollow? I've seen conflicting information as to whether it is possible (or advisable, at least) to cut the shaft without removing the accessory case. Local mechanics think it is fine to do it without removing the case, and I think I can figure out a way to prevent debris from getting into the engine - unless there is a possibility of that shaft being hollow on the back side. The visible end has a pretty deep center drill - is it maybe center drilled deep enough on the end inside the engine that cutting the shaft flush would cut into that center drill?

Thanks!

Warren

 

[wanttaja]

 

[4-Shipp]

 

[asport22]

 

[asport22]

 

[airplanegeek]