I have my new motor in the cradle awaiting the trans and converter. I reinstalled all the engine periferals like the ac,ps,alt,vac lines, etc. I installed an sfi approved flexplate. It is a scat 153 tooth. When I tested the starter it engages fine but when you stop the starter the gear does not disengage and go back into the starter assy. If I remove the starter and try to activate it the gear comes out like it should the when power is removed the gear retreats back into the starter housing. I checked my old flex plate and it is also a 153 tooth unit. Do I need shims or what? My starter did not have any from the factory so I did not have any to install. It does not grind or make any noise. I am not sure if the motor has to be running for the gear to work it's way back into the housing or what? Any ideas.

 

wait till it is running before worrying, should be fine

the gear will retract when the flywheel is spinning(engine running)

 

You should have about 0.020" backlash between the teeth on the starter gear and the flywheel when they're engaged. Rough rule of thumb: enough gap between the gear teeth to stick a paper clip in. If not you need to shim it.

 

Thank you