I just put new contacts in the starter of my 88 V6. I put it back in and it worked fine, but I found the little spring that fits over the end of the plunger shaft sitting on my workbench. (I hate it when that happens!) I took the starter off, replaced the spring, and bolted it back up.

When I tried to start it, the starter turned, but didn't engage the flywheel. Instead, I could here it grinding against the flywheel. When I took the starter off, I could see where the dirt was worn off the front of the starter gear, as if it was pushing against the side of the flywheel, rather than engaging it.

The starter looks fine, and th plunger works easily by hand. The little ball that the plunger presses on is still there and, as far as I know, I didn't forget any more parts. I was hoping to find the casue before I put it back in, but I can't find anything wrong.

Any ideas?

Mark