Starter replacement nightmare.

[Engineerbasher]

Anybody have any ideas as to what is going on here. This is the second starter I've tried. The first one was a cheap Amazon one on an i assumed it was a junk starter, this one is a autozone gold.

 

The ring gear is contacting the bendix housing.

 

I know the pin is stuck in the bell housing, I removed the pin from the starter. The starter is still located by a pin its just fixed permanently in the bellhousing.

[Engineerbasher]

[John/Horace]

Which engine ? Miles ?

 

Looks like solenoid is sticking, return spring maybe weak. Reman stuff is always a risk imo, although cheaper.

 

It's very easy to trigger a starter for testing using a battery and a screw driver to jumper power. Utube it. I always test starters before installing,make sure there is no hesitation on pinion gear returning. Changing wrecked ring gear is big expensive job,  maybe use a new starter to avoid further damage.

 

Cross check correct part with Rockauto, best on line car parts site...by miles.

Edited November 3 by John/Horace

[Engineerbasher]

Both starters were new (not reman) and both only started a very few times. I haven't had time to look at it again. Unfortunately I suspect the flex plate has cracked because of the marks on the starter, I think the ring gear is getting into it. Its going to go to a shop.

[Elizabeth Taylor]

Since it is going to a shop, ask them to check the bellhousing locating pin and flex-plate runout, not just the starter. A stuck or damaged pin can let the starter sit slightly off-square, and a cracked flex plate or loose converter bolts can make the ring gear run out and hit the bendix housing. I would avoid cranking it further until that is checked, because another new starter may just get damaged.