Question 173Motor Plants - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is A) Helps absorb the shock when the pinion engages the flywheel ring gear. The Bendix drive friction clutch is a component of the Bendix drive starter, which is used to start internal combustion engines. When the starter motor is activated, the Bendix drive engages the flywheel ring gear to crank the engine. The friction clutch helps absorb the shock and sudden torque load when the pinion gear of the Bendix drive makes contact with the flywheel ring gear, preventing damage to the starter mechanism. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary function of the Bendix drive friction clutch in a starter system. Option B refers to the Bendix drive mechanism disengaging the pinion, option C refers to engaging the pinion with the air start distributor, and option D refers to preventing the pinion from overrunning, which are not the specific role of the friction clutch.