Starter switch

[LEM]

What should be the distance between the two contacts inside the starter switch? My switch looks like there is too large of a gap, causing longer travel of the starter rod.(or what should be the rod travel?)

[GRutter]

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You are limited by the mechanics of the switch itself to fully return the starter push rod.

But the one thing that may have changed over the life of the starter is the bronze contact on the starter - which may have been filed down multiple times over the last 90 years, increasing switch travel. Likewise, the contact in the switch could have also been filed down to "clean it up".

There is also a difference between the early 28 starter & switch vs remainder of production. The image you included would indicate that you have an early 1928 starter, if it is like the starter and switch on your car.

A common "fix" would be to file it down flat and use the later style starter switch. Not recommending that.. but it might solve your issue if starter rod travel is "excessive".
I'm not aware if early 28 starter parts are available from the vendors.