Ok, so I just replaced the old starter with a new one. The new one, mounted up doesn't start reliably. It takes 2 or three times for it to start. On the times that it doesn't start the engine, it does sound like it's engaging, but doesn't turn the engine. Release the key, try again, usually by the 3rd time, it starts.

Any tips on this?

Thanks guys

 

sounds like a bad starter. The starter gear may turn but isn't kicking out to engage the flywheel

 

Before you condemn the starter I must ask , did you follow the proper "shimming" procedure when you installed it ?

A starter not properly shimmed could result (if the fit is too tight VS too loose) in the starter gear not traveling quite far enough to be fully engaged with the ring gear , resulting in the starter motor not turning as you describe .

 

The starter didn't come with any instructions. At first, the starter just clicked, it wouldn't engage. I added both shims that came with the starter, and I get this result.

What procedure would you suggest?

 

The procedure that involves taking it back to the store and exchanging it for one that works.

 

If the old starter didn't work and this starter didn't work I'd be checking the ground from the battery to the block before I went much farther.