New starter issue. Not engaging.

[Mjpesky]

Well, I am in the process of installing my new starter and having an issue. I am sure I have the correct starter, but it will not engage the flywheel. They look 100% identical, same drive gear, same shaft throw distance. I hooked up the solenoid only to 12v and it does throw the gear in and out. While installing and attempting to start, I would hear the gear spinning and contacting the flywheel but the flywheel would not engage. I removed the starter and saw scuff Mark's on the front face of the flywheel teeth. Is it possible that the solenoid could be engaging too late after the starter gear is already spinning? It seems to me that is what is happening, judging by the noise and the Mark's on the face of the flywheel teeth. Thanks for any advice/opinions!!-- Mike

[Norm B]

That depends on the starter. Not normally possible with a starter with the solenoid on it. The solenoid activation moves the starter gear out first and, then as the solenoid reaches full throw, the electrical connection to energize the starter is made. If this is your type of starter then, most likely, you have an alignment issue.

Norm

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Did you spec the mounting face & bolt hole location against the original?

[Mjpesky]

Yes... I mounted it in the same mounting holes for the 157 tooth flywheel, and everything lined up.

[Railroad]

See if any of this will help.
https://static.speedwaymotors.com/pdf/91067430.pdf

[Mjpesky]

It is now engaging, but not spinning the flywheel. I think the noise I was hearing was actually from the gear reduction in the starter itself. I am positive everything else is correct.