Flywheel turns but motor doesn't!!! Help!!!

[Falcons Talon]

Originally posted by QuantumMotorsports
Hey guys, I think I've got an idea, honestly, it sounds to me like something isn't quite right here, but it's possible that the ring gear (which gets pressed onto the flywheel) is somehow either loose or broken and is spinning, but the flywheel isn't spinning. That way, you can push start the car, but the teeth turn around the flywheel and don't turn the flywheel or crank. What do you think?

That makes sense to me, but what in the world could have cracked or loosened the ring gear? I had to replace one in my 84 HO and It wouldn't bidge until we drilled holes on either side of it and broke it off. Maybe it has a hairline crack? Are you seeng the crank turn or the teeth of the ring gear turn? Maybe it's still too tight to budge it by hand, but when you put the stress of the engine against the starter, it gives...

My money is on the ring gear.