Mitsubishi Repair: 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse grinding noise when starting, mitsubishi eclipse, gear teeth

Question
Replaced starter on 5sp manual, replaced a couple bell housing to block bolts, and now there is a loud grinding noise when starting, that stops within a few seconds and the engine runs fine. Is there supposed to be a small gap between the housing/block closest to the firewall, even after tightening all of the bolts? Is there a Starter Relay that could be bad or miswired (not releasing the bendix after releasing the key)?

Answer
Jeff: My thought is you do not have your starter in all the way, I know when I did one on a 1991 Eclipse it was like I needed four hands and a very strong back. As I was about to climb into the engine to get that starter lined up right. Other wise my repair manual says this about a starter that is noisy or rough in engagement... pinion or flywheel gear teeth worn or broken, starter motor mounting bolts loose or missing. I just think you do not have the starter pushed in far enough, I would take it all apart and try again. There is a relay it is under the dash inside the car on the drivers side of the car. But try seeing if you can't get the starter in better or are you sure you got the right starter for your car. Sometimes those parts store people don't run the numbers or the model right; so you get the wrong starter. Just a thought. Hope this helps and good luck!