Weird grinding noise when starting

[Sjallen]

First off, my stroker runs great and has alot of power but..
when I built my motor I used the starter off my original motor, it was a new one from an auto parts store and was about a year old and it always cranked nice and smooth, well after about 3 months that starter went out so I replaced it with another new one with the same part number, and as soon as i put it back on it made a grinding noise and when cold it makes a hesitation noise while cranking(it's a renix so it cranks over 3-5 times) well i removed it and looked at my flexplate and all looked good so I ran with it. It eventually wasted my flexplate, so I replaced it and another new starter and it still makes the same grinding and hesitation while cranking, I have tried everything I could to fix the problem and I am out of ideas also it's eating this flexplate up too. I talked to a local guy that's been building jeeps for 30+ years and he has never seen or heard this problem before. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Red91XJ]

It's hard to tell what it could be right off, but you might try a set of generic starter shims. Most chains should have them for a couple dollars, Dorman makes an assortment of generics under their Motormite (Help!) brand. You definately have an issue, but it might help you save your flexplate while you track down the problem!

[SilverXJ]

Did you use the block to bell housing dowels on the new engine?

[Sjallen]

Did you use the block to bell housing dowels on the new engine?

Yea I sure did....I have an update, today the starter just gave up and I'm sure the flexplate is not doing so good either. I just cant seem to figure out what is wrong. I have my original flexplate off my original motor so I am going to put that one back on and buy a starter from the dealership, it's $180 hopefully just maybe that might fix it..I am out of ideas.

[Sjallen]

It's hard to tell what it could be right off, but you might try a set of generic starter shims. Most chains should have them for a couple dollars, Dorman makes an assortment of generics under their Motormite (Help!) brand. You definately have an issue, but it might help you save your flexplate while you track down the problem!

I have shimmed the starter..I have done everything that i know to do with no progress. I have been building motors on the racing level for 20+ years and this simple jeep problem has me stumped.