i have a mini starter for a 168 tooth flywheel and i have a 168 tooth flex plate, i can crank it and it will work but once the motor had ran the starter drive gear almost always will hit the flex plate. i am wondering if my flex plate could be backwards or if there is something else that could be wrong. any help would be great at this point cause im sick of having to hand turn the motor just to start it again, thanks Ty.

 

More likely you need to add a shim between the starter and the engine block.

 

EVERY starter has to be shimmed, and instructions for doing so are always included with starters, as well as the shims. Shims are also available at any auto parts store in the event you got a used starter that did not include them.

 

do you mean every aftermarket starter? cause my old starter was not shimmed and i used the wire that came with the shims and it fit perfect. but i will try shimming it tomorrow and see what happens, thanks

 

to the contrary, not all starters have to be shimmed, im running a mini starter on my 383 no shims, but also its not a cheap mini starter, however not all starters need shims............

 

I've only had to shim 1 starter in my whole life.....

 

Guess I'm the lucky one that has had to always shim a starter - never had one I didn't have to shim!

 

Ive never taken one off and not found a shim and the ruels say, put back what you take off.

But some folks always have left over parts when they do a job