96 GSX Starter Won't Engage Flywheel

[Johnnyboy95]

I have a 1996 GSX. I dropped the engine and tranny to do a rebuild. I've put everything back together and went to turn the car on. The starter wont engage the flywheel. It is the same stock awd flywheel and the same stock starter. You can hear the starter spinning and its getting power but wont engage.

Any threads or help will be very helpful and very appreciated.

Thanks

 

[SasaniFab]

You should test the starter outside the car...... Give it 12v see what it does

 

[pauleyman]

Did you run one of the grounds to a starter bolt?

 

[Johnnyboy95]

Sorry for the extremely late reply. Yes I have grounded the starter to one of the starter bolts also I have bench tested the starter after cleaning and reassembly and it tested fine. After the bench test and reinstalling the starter it still makes the same spinning noise and every now and again you can hear it trying to engage the flywheel but not plunging entirely. Could spacing/shimming be the issue? It was the original shim plate and is torqued down correctly to 22 lb/ft.

 

[luv2rallye]

Did you put the starter plate back on?

 

[Johnnyboy95]

Yes the starter plate is installed as well

 

[dustyboner]

When you bench tested the starter, did the bendix fully extend?

Can you get to the solenoid to tap on it while the starter is spinning without engaging?

 

[Kuzi]

I agree with dustyboner. It sounds like the bendix for the starter isn't fully extend and not making contact with the flywheel.

 

[Johnnyboy95]

Update: Installed new OEM Napa starter. Car just sits there and goes chug chug chug. Bad sensors or compression should be the next step to check for right?

 

[AdR]

Update: Installed new OEM Napa starter. Car just sits there and goes chug chug chug. Bad sensors or compression should be the next step to check for right?

Special effects don't really help that much on describing an issue . I am guessing it's turning over with apparent sound of compression but doesn't start. Check the following:

1. spark plugs and wires
2. fuel pump activating while turning
3. timing set in the correct position
4. compression (if it's low put a little oil through the spark plug holes and try again)
5. crank/cam sensor resistance.

 

[EvolutionPlus]

Is it cranking at a quick speed? I used to have issues even with a new starter that it wasn't getting the amps needed to crank quickly.