Starter just clicks?

1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
287,764 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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FRAZIER88
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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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Jan 8, 2024 at 1:25 PM
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STRAILER
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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.
Jan 9, 2024 at 9:23 AM
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FRAZIER88
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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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Jan 10, 2024 at 8:48 AM
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STRAILER
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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.
Jan 11, 2024 at 8:01 AM
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FRAZIER88
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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.
Jan 16, 2024 at 11:01 AM
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STRAILER
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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?
Jan 17, 2024 at 9:22 AM
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FRAZIER88
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Motor had apparently set for a while before I bought it, so I sprayed some lube/anti seize/ water remover in it got it freed up now it turns like a dream, but I'm look for my new question.
Jan 22, 2024 at 9:51 AM
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STRAILER
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Thanks for letting us know, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
Jan 22, 2024 at 10:34 AM