Starter/bellhousing/flexplate alignment issues

[Jeff88coupe]

I've having issues getting my starter (both a stock 93 mini and powermaster aftermarket one) engaging my JW 164 tooth flexplate right. I'm using a PA SFI C4 bellhousing with the adapter ring for a 164 tooth flex plate. The starter drive gear seem to be hitting the flexplate teeth..but not engaging the teeth. It just spins against the teeth.
http://www.streetcarforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=64543&stc=1&d=1176002906
I am using the outer set of starter bolt holes. I figured that was the right since I'm using a 164 tooth flexplate.

Here is a list of all the parts
-powermaster starter
-PA sfi C4 bellhousing with 164 tooth adapter ring
-JW 164 tooth "the wheel" flexplate
-Stock motor plate that I used with my AOD setup

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions on a fix?

[mustang8998]

Jeff, are you sure that you are supposed to use the motorplate? Some SFI bells do, some don't. I don't know about PA's bell. :dunno:

[bangingears]

i thought the drive gears for the 157 and 164's starters were different.

[5.0calypso93lx]

I have had nothing but problems since day 1 with my mini starter. This is my second one. My first was an FRPP and now I'm using a lifetime warranty one from Napa, and no matter how I shim them, wire them or anything, it still sounds like something is grinding everytime I start the car. If you find something out, I'd like to know as well.

[bangingears]

I have had nothing but problems since day 1 with my mini starter. This is my second one. My first was an FRPP and now I'm using a lifetime warranty one from Napa, and no matter how I shim them, wire them or anything, it still sounds like something is grinding everytime I start the car. If you find something out, I'd like to know as well.

are you sure its wired right? I have fixed a few mini-starters that weren't wired right. you shouldn't have to shim a ford starter.

[dedpedal]

i thought the drive gears for the 157 and 164's starters were different.

Im using the same starter on my 157 /c4 that I used with my 164/aod. I think it has something to do with the depth of that flywheel.

[Jeff88coupe]

Thanks for the help Kevin....problem was with the installer being stupid (me):HYF:
Starter works fine now.

[Maximus]

Soooooooooo when do we get to see ya make a 1/4 mile pass??

[dedpedal]

No problem Jeff. Sometimes a fresh set of hands does wonders, othertimes its just luck.

[5.0calypso93lx]

are you sure its wired right? I have fixed a few mini-starters that weren't wired right. you shouldn't have to shim a ford starter.

I'm 99% sure. I even bought the wiring harness from latemodel resto. I wish I would have known all it was, was an extra wire... It still sounds like crap everytime I start it.