1990 Accord Torque converter noise - starter

I have a 1990 accord with ONLY 138000 miles . I changed the starter 3 years
ago.
I heard a "marble noise chatter" at idle and it subsides at high rpm . I
searched around with my stephescope and found the cause. There are welds which
holds the ring type gear to the torque converter. ( the one that the starter
engages) the weld on one of them broke free .Has any one had this problems? I
put in a new starter in 3 years ago. Is it old age or is it the aftermarket
starters fault. There is no shims to adjust so I assume I put the starter in
correctly. I am MIG welding them since only one of the weld actually broke
free. I do see hairline cracks on some of the other welds. I drove it 300 miles
until I figure out the noise. Now i am spending time on my back welding them
back so I dont have to take the tranny out. Just curious if this is a common
old age disease

 

never heard of this before.

 

it happens all the time with aftermarket starters that the gear
moves out too far and slams into the flywheel.
Chip

 

Next time I should buy a rebuilt starter so I get Honda metal casting ?

You think the starter " has worn in" ? or do you think it will break the new
welds?

I see why american cars use shims on their starters and the flywheel is a plate
and not welded on .