ok check this crap out.... A month ago I had absolutely no problems with my car. I got a little deep into some water and the motor killed. It would crank normally a few times then the starter would just spin. I gave the car plenty of time to dry... same thing, starter turns but no engine motion. I have the vehicle towed. I pulled out the plugs, water runs out as expected. I pulled the starter to be bench checked, checks good. I reinstall the starter inspect the flexplate, it has like 4 teeth missing where the starter pinion sat. I manually cranked the motor to a different spot on the flexplate, turned the key and the motor turned with no probs (with plugs out). It would however buzz, appearantly when the starter went over that bad spot on the plate. I replace the flexplate with a brand new one from autozone (correct teeth). The starter just spins. I turn the motor and try again, starter spins, no engine turn. I got under the car and had a friend turn the key, the pinion obviously turned but looked like the pinion would jump, hit the flywheel, and recess and spin. There were no shims when I removed it and there are none now. What gives? Its a high torque mini-starter. The starter teeth look fine. Any help would be great thanks!