Car wont start. Starter just CLUNKS and flexplate doesnt move

[Ihatethisdsm]

So i got a brand new starter. Starter works fine hooked it up spins and activates. When i install it just sounds like its hitting a wall.

I can Move the axles and hubs and everything rotates. But the flexplate/converter does not move at all. I put vehicle in Drive reverse and lower gears and the converter still will not rotate. cannot rotate the engine assembly But engine turned over fine before when i did a compression test on it.

Im stumped The transmission is damn near brand new just swapping over the engine.

 

[Ihatethisdsm]

looks as if the starter teeth are grabbing onto the flexplate but will not turn it. but the engine turned over just fine before pulling the motor out of the donor car. and the transmission was good. i cant see why this combo isnt working properly

 

[DSM1G90]

starter gear teeth square with the flexplate?

 

[96eclipzGsT]

Automatic? Maybe you didn't get the converter all the way in the transmission. Did the transmission and motor mount up flush or did you use the bolts to pull it up?

 

[Ihatethisdsm]

Transmission slid all the way on. maybe 1/16" - 1/8" Gap. But cleared the dowels easlily and then went around and slowly closed the gap on the trans to engine. Its a auto trans. the starter gear teeth are lined up correctly.

But shouldnt i be able to rotate the engine by hand with a big breaker bar?

 

[96eclipzGsT]

Transmission slid all the way on. maybe 1/16" - 1/8" Gap. But cleared the dowels easlily and then went around and slowly closed the gap on the trans to engine. Its a auto trans. the starter gear teeth are lined up correctly.

But shouldnt i be able to rotate the engine by hand with a big breaker bar?

Yes it will. I did this on a ford van once. On the ford the converter clicked in 3 times. I'm not sure how far it slides in on a dsm maybe someone else can help.

 

[Ihatethisdsm]

ive tried to rotate the axles in the same direction and they wont move and the converter wont move

 

[96eclipzGsT]

I quick test is to loosen the bellhousing bolts and then see if it will spin over.

 

[Ihatethisdsm]

took the bolts out of the trans a lil bit and played with spacing.. still the same thing. put the bolts back tight and still same thing.

Removed and see if i could realign the starter gear and still the same thing. Im pretty sure that its the converter that doesnt want to move.