[RICK LAKE]

DBcsx4872 You didnot say which bell housing you have? I hope it is a lakewood, I don't like the multi piece others. Does your bell housing have an engine block plate behind the flywheel? If yes good, if not you need one. Next was the bellhousing aligned and centered to the crank? If yes good, If not you need a magnetic bace and dial indicator to center bellhousing. Next you will need to check the clearance between the starter gear and the flywheel teeth, .030-.040" where the engagement is. A heavy paperclip will work great for the tight area. Check the starter contact points in 3 other locations for the same clearance. If not good, the flywheel or end of crank is out of round or bent. Is the flywheel hitting in 1 spot or more? You may have the wrong bellhousing. This should cover the list of possible problems. 1 thing to check is the lenght on the flywheel bolts to the crank and may sure they are not hitting the back of the block, and the clutch pressure plate bolts for the same problem, hitting the backing plate or starter. The flywheel bolts my not have been bolted to torque spec Good luck Rick L Ps. I have seen the last idea happen more than once.