CLACK CLACK CLACK, swap not turning

[howelll]

First let me give you the details

Car: 86 325es
Engine: m52
Clutch: m20
Flywheel: dual mass m20
Starter: Original 4 post m20
Transmission: getrag 260

When I turn the key the starter makes a clacking noise. I did shave the oil pan and the motor does turn freely, the round c101 does not have a pin 15 for unloader relays. I read this is combined with pin 18 somewhere in the fuse box. What am I missing I have searched endlessly now it's time for the experts to chime in
thanks in advance

[nrubenstein]

The starter makes a clacking noise? Have you charged the battery/tried jumping it?

[howelll]

yes a loud clacking, I am jumping it. I think it has enough juice to at least do a weak turn but its like the gears are not engaging. Which i dont see why they shouldn't as the transmission locates the starter and flywheel. It all worked together before the swap. I will try pulling the battery out of my 5er that should have the juice but im not convinced thats the issue, i have been wrong before though lol.

[howelll]

Funny your in DC, we are planning a trip as we speak for next week!

[Devil Inc]

What stater/ flywheel combo are you running? Is the starter spinning or just shuddering like one would on a low battery?

[Adrian_Visser]

A bad connection with the jumpers and you won't get enough current to turn over the motor just enough to engage the solenoid, that sound would be one click when you first turn the key. Is that what you are hearing?

[howelll]

What stater/ flywheel combo are you running? Is the starter spinning or just shuddering like one would on a low battery?

transmission, clutch, flywheel, starter were all the original from the m20, only difference now is the engine. It's a repetitive loud clack, sounds to me as if the gear keeps hitting the flywheel. It doesn't really sound to me like one would with a low battery, it's much louder.

[howelll]

Update: i pulled the battery out of my e39 and tried it. the starter engaged but still wont turn. guess im going to try a new starter

[Wishno87]

So your using the dual mass flywheel with the eta big starter?

[e30s50dan]

Take it to advance auto or ripoff zone to have tested I have spare starters along with many r3vers

[howelll]

So your using the dual mass flywheel with the eta big starter?

Yes, but i bought a single mass flywheel, starter, and clutch from another member should be here soon

[howelll]

Take it to advance auto or ripoff zone to have tested I have spare starters along with many r3vers

I pulled it out and bench tested it, it just pops the gear out but doesn't turn.

[Wishno87]

Yes, but i bought a single mass flywheel, starter, and clutch from another member should be here soon

That will probably fix it. No one usually uses a dual mass e30 fw with this swap. Check my starter thread for a good diagram of the starter terminals.

[howelll]

Update: so a new-used starter arrived. I connected all wires, ground on short big stud, alt and batt on longer big stud, and blk/ylw on small terminal. I get the same result as with the last starter, the gear pops out and doesn't spin. So I guess i got another bad starter, very fustrating

[howelll]

That will probably fix it. No one usually uses a dual mass e30 fw with this swap. Check my starter thread for a good diagram of the starter terminals.

I have, it has proved most usefull