Flywheel Spec.\starter

[HEINZZZ]

I've looked through old post and haven't seen anyone talkin 'bout the teeth on the flywheel. The question is; how long should the teeth be? And are they supposed to be tapered? I've got a factory manual but it doesn't help much. I've got a new stater and can't seem to shim to wear it engages with the right sound. (makes a rat-tat-tat-tat, sends shivers up my spine sound) And of course does not start the engine

This is on a '85 2.8 Cherokee, manual.

Also on a side note. I can't shift into reverse? Idea's, thoughts, options?

 

[8Mud]

Just a shot in the dark, don´t really know the answer, but have seen different starters for auto and stick applications in the past. Count the teeth on your starter gear and count the teeth on what came out. Grab the flywheel and give it a good shake, with the clutch in, see if you can tell if the flywheel bolts have come loose (could be related to your reverse problem).
Have had some real trouble with Chev. starters in the past, some take some serious shim work, to get them to engauge correctly. But they usually always catch somewhat. If the starter is too tight, add shims, too loose remove shims.
Voltage at the battery during cranking should be above 9 volts.
Bench test the starter and make sure the bendix is pushing the gear all the way forword. Tip, hold on to the starter tight when bench testing. Only connect power to a nut, as arching will mess up the threads.

 

[old_man]

The teeth on the flywheel should not normally be tapered front to back. There is normally a little ramp on the starter pinion.