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I am probably not looking at the picture right but i'll ask based on what I think I see.
why is the starter gear engaged with the flywheel 'at rest'?


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I was thinking the same thing mikemee



Me to. Is the starter hitting the side of the block like often happens with a mini in a BB? If it is then when you tightened the starter bolts it may have cocked the starter nose towards the flywheel jamming the gears.

In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.