I am trying to reconnect a new pool motor (AO Smith 1 1/2 hp). I think I have everything together correctly but after I reconnect the motor to the plate, I can not fit it back on to the pump. When I remove the plate it fits just fine but with the motor attached, I can not make it fit. Any suggestions?

Can you furnish some photos? Only thing I can think of is is one or more of the holes not lining up. Can the holes be drilled out a bit more to help with alignment?