starter problem

just put in rebuilt starter in engine, went to turn motor over and starter gear hits flywheel , flywheel moves abut a 1/4 inch only, I can see where the gear hits flywheel and leaves a dent on it. any suggestions on what to do?

Assuming you are speaking of the 39, and having no experience directly with the same, I ask if there are supposed to be shims between the starter and the block? & if you can spin the engine more than a 1/4 manually without the starter, and if you can pull the starter and bench test it to be sure it does spin.

If you pull it I would check the bearing surface in the end cap to be sure it's not obviously worn out causing the starter shaft to bind.

Call the re-builder....................Bob

Check the number of teeth on the pinion gear on the rebuilt starter compared to your old one.

Koala