starter motor. Bent shaft.

[John Mason]

Hi all,  Has anybody ever had the problem of a bent starter motor shaft. I have been having problems with the starter motor getting stuck in mesh with the flywheel when starting and this got so bad I took it off the car for examination. I expected it to be the flywheel ring gear but then on checking the started discovered that the shaft was bent. The starter dog etc works fine moving up and down the shaft and it appears to be bent just before the front bearing. I have considered having a go at straightening it as I always have the starting handle as a reserve should the straightening repair fail.
What are forum members thoughts on this. Should I just look for another starter.

John Mason