GM-GMC: I need help with my 1985 GMC..., gmc truck, flex plate

Question
I need help with my 1985 GMC Truck. It makes the most god awful clashin g screeching sound when I try to start it. When I bought this truck it was my undwerstanding that the starter was new.Any advice will be appreciated.

Answer
A new starter does not assure that the teeth on the flywheel (manual transmission) or flax plate (auto transmission) are still in good condition.

GM starters are sometimes shimmed to provide clearance and prevent clashing of the starter gear with the flywheel or flex plate teeth.

The problem needs to be checked.  If the teeth on the flywheel or flex plate get (or are already) damaged, the transmission has to be removed to replace it.