Starter just clicks?

FRAZIER88

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
5.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
287,764 MILES

Okay, I got this motor changed and all the bugs fixed, so, I thought. I went and got a new starter, and it just clicked. Well, upon inspection I see this (notice image 1) so I figured I could turn the motor by hand and free that up only now it won't turn. It turned fine when I hooked the torque converter up. I mean you have to turn it to bolt it on after all. You guys have helped me through every stage so far now I just need some advice one more time.

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7 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,909 POSTS

Sure, we can help, in this image, is the key in the crank position? If not, it looks like the incorrect starter is installed. The pinion gear should not be engaged into the flywheel. I would remove the starter and see if you can rotate the engine by hand.

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-seized-test

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 AT 9:23 AM

FRAZIER88

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29 POSTS

Okay, I did that, and I turned the motor thought maybe it froze or something, but it turned however this happened again and I counted the teeth and there is 9 on the original starter and 11 on the new so I'm assuming the new one Is wrong, correct? Because every time I attempt to start it this gets stuck and then I have to drop the starter for it to retract.

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Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 AT 8:48 AM

KEN L

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Yes, the starter looks like the wrong one. Did the old starter work? If so. You might want to try to reinstall it to see if the engine cranks over.

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Thursday, January 11th, 2024 AT 8:01 AM

FRAZIER88

MEMBER
29 POSTS

Okay, I got the right starter. I cranked it over briefly and turned fine so I stopped and went to put everything else back on before I actually tried to start it. Now the motor won't turn at all. I followed your guide there on how to turn the motor by hand and it's stuck. I can't get it to go either way now.

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Tuesday, January 16th, 2024 AT 11:01 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,909 POSTS

Please remove the starter again and see if the engine will turn by hand. Can you look to see if the starter is contacting the flywheel? Also did you change the flexplate to a new or different one?