okay,
i have a starter that looks like this,
http://www.transmissionadapters.com/...i%20torque.jpg
and one that looks like this,
http://i17.ebayimg.com/03/i/001/33/a1/d814_1_sbl.JPG
i am currently using the second type of starter, and when i engage the starter, the pinion pops out, and the gap between the "< <" (meshing of the pinion and the flywheel) is the diameter of a large paper clip. The pinion pops out, BUT does not retract back UNLESS the flywheel is turned, which, i turned manually when i was trying it out, it went back in.
When i use the 1st starter, pictured in the first link above, the pinion is already out, and touches the flywheel when mounted, i removed all shims to make it fit, but still have problems! so i went back to my old one.
I think im going to call someone to check it out, and just pay to get it done, because at the end, ill go through 5 starters!