I bought a 1996 Base Model Camaro with a blown head gasket. I replaced head gasket(in car) and now car won't start. Starter spins but does not engage starter gear. I replaced starter with new one but same result. Charged battery to full every time, checked engine grounds, put shims( didn't have one when I removed starter). Starter spins but acts like gear isn't engaging fly wheel. It sometimes moves motor a couple teeth but never totally turns motor over. Car did start and run before surgery. I am tapped out on ideas so any new light will be helpful.
On an off topic subject. This camaro came with no power windows or door locks. Didn't realize you could order a car without these. I like the idea tho since these cars are notorious for heavy door problems.

 

Weird, I don't see how changing a head gasket would affect the starter. Is the battery fully charged or is it gone flat while you worked on the car? Did you just replace the starter, or both starter and solenoid? Was it working OK before you fixed the head gasket?

 

Can you see the teeth on the flywheel? Are they there?

 

you need to recheck the starter solenoid if its working properly, could be a faulty one

 

Yes all teeth are on fly wheel, even rotated motor by hand.
Replaced whole starter and old starter did work before engine work. After the rain I am going to check if it has power to starter and correct voltage. I have checked at solenoid but not big wire at starter.

 

Got starter working(corrosion) Now won't fire just spins like there's no compression. Checked first spark plug on drivers side for spark and it's got both gas and spark but battery went flat and started raining.

 

Got it running. Loose spark plug in all my rushing. Thanks for all the help.