Starter disentegrated ?

Hi, I just purchased a 1968 Mustang Coupe. It started fine for about the first 20 starts. Then the starter spun and would not engage. So I replaced it with a rebuilt starter. After installing, it started right up but I could hear a clattering noise coming from the bell housing. I removed the inspection plate and the starter and with a air hose, I blew out all kinds of metal shavings and small pin bearings and even what looked like half a thin washer. I can only think that part of the "guts" of the starter after the gear must have disentegrated into the bellhousing. I got most of the debris out but I still get a ticking noise like maybe a piece of something is still in there catching the flywheel. My question is, is there any way for this debris to make it's way into the torque converter or transmission, and will it eventually work itself free. I have left the inspection plate off just in case it breaks loose, so it will have a way out. Any Suggestions?
Thanks!

Thanks Greg,
Yep pulling the tranny is not something I would look forward to. I have replaced many a starter in my day but I have never seen one go to pieces (lots of pieces) like this one did. I'll give it a while to see if the ticking stops. It's not a loud noise, just annoying.

The ticking noise could be a damaged spot on the ring gear on the flex plate (flywheel), every time it passes the starter drive gear.
If there is a damaged spot on the ring gear and that spot lines up with the starter when you shut it down, the starter may not engage and just spin and grind.
You can turn the engine over by hand and check the ring gear thru the inspection hole.

The ticking noise is not constant. Sometimes I hear it briefly after start up or upon acceleration or when making a turn. It comes and goes. I put the car on a lift and watched through the inspection hole and could see the starter gear engage on start up, then disengage and stop spinning. While my Dad revved the engine (in neutral), I could not see anything touch the starter gear. It remained motionless. But the ticking noise was absent. It seems to happen when the vehicle is on a slight incline or when cornering or upon initial acceleration while in gear. The flywheel teeth look good as I had my Dad bump the starter while I inspected what I could see through the inspection hole. However, as you know, I can only see the front side of the flywheel unless I pull the trans. I really dont see how the debris can get past the bell housing. But I cant live with the noise for very long either. If it comes down to it, I guess I'll pull the trans. I've spoken with several people and none have ever heard of a starter flying apart like this and leaving debris in the bell housing to the extent this one did.