You have to have the proper starter gear to match the ring gear. Did you have the nylon ring gear and put the whole kit on it or?

I'm not sure what you mean by "kit" but the nylon ring gear was changed as was the starter gear.

The new ring gear comes in package w/ the fasteners and the starter gear IE the kit. The tapered tooth on the the starter gear goes upward and the ring will only fit one way. I'm not aware of an aftermarket kit, but if you didn't use the regular Briggs starter gear then buy one and install it. If the white pinion gear shows edge wear, replace the pinion kit rather than just the gear.

Thanks 'tomplum' I did use the regular Briggs gear. I was looking for - why did the ring gear do this to begin with? Any thoughts anyone?