Just rebuilt the motor, replacement crank casting numbers matched old one. Engine installed flexplate too far foward starter bendix staying engaged. In other words not enough space between starter and flexplate. Contacted a Mazda Parts department and they show a spacer plate between the crank and flexplate. So installation would be crank, spacer, flexplate, bolts then torque converter.
So here is the question when I look up the alternate ford part number for the spacer the diagrams show the spacer on the outside of the flexplate as a reinforcement plate?
Does this spacer have multiple applications?
Engine builder said he did install a reinforcement ring on the outside of the flexplate, so I am assuming it's installed in the wrong spot?
Any thoughts or am I chasing the wrong rabbit.

 

On my 2000 with 3.0 the spacer was on the outside, and I put it back in that position. Are you sure the torque convertor is all the way back in the trans, and not pushing the flex plate forward?

 

Torque converter moves freely, I feel I had to pull the torque converter forward to get it to seat and start the nuts on the studs further than I should have, idk.

 

No spacer needed, the flex plate was bent.