Shimming a starter required?

[Jack O.]

Hi,
I just installed a rebuilt AC Delco starter on my '69 427/435. The instructions said [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Thanks,[/FONT]
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Jack[/FONT]

[Clem Z.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

the better auto parts should have the shims. get a couple and try one at a time to see if the sound changes. checking the proper clearance on the gear to fly wheel is very hard to do with the bell housing in place

[Clem Z.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

the better auto parts should have the shims. get a couple and try one at a time to see if the sound changes. checking the proper clearance on the gear to fly wheel is very hard to do with the bell housing in place

they come in different thickness starting with 1/64"

[Larry M.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

Chevrolet Parts also has them.

I just couldn't install the ones from the local auto parts stores that said "Made in China" stamped on them in large letters. Just didn't seem right.

The Chevrolet Parts ones cost a bit more, but they are still not very expensive. But you have to buy a pack of 20. Still cheap......and you will have a lifetime supply to share with your friends.
Larry

[Paul J.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

Jack, you don't have to always shim your starter, but there's a sign in my shop that says "Always Shim Your Starter". It's painted on a broken flywheel.

Paul

[Mark E.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

Did the factory shim starters? I don't recall ever seeing shims when removing an original looking starter on a Chevy.

[Mark E.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

Did the factory shim starters? I don't recall ever seeing shims when removing an original looking starter on a Chevy.

Any information about this?

[Paul O.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

Mark

Of all the cars I have judged and looked at only once did I see a starter that was shimmed. It was a 1981 unrestored and it was the outer most bolt. Others may have see more but that is what I have seen.

[Mark E.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

Thanks Paul.

I've never run across starter shims before. The instructions for the rebuilt starter I purchased had a warning about possible flywheel or pinon gear damage if the starter isn't aligned properly. It described how to listen for improper starter gear engagement, and how the type of sound indicates where to add shims to create more or less gear to gear clearance. This particular new starter worked fine with no shims.

[Ray G.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

Hello;
Always shim a GM starter by spacing the starter drive teeth the diameter of a paper clip from from the bottom of a flywheel teeth.
Starter shims are the the but washers or front end shim will work also.
While installing use a dab of strip caulk to hold the shims in place.
Ray

[Mark E.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

Hello;
Always shim a GM starter by spacing the starter drive teeth the diameter of a paper clip from from the bottom of a flywheel teeth.
Ray

How is this spacing measured? Is this somehow done with the starter engaged but not moving- and with the bell housing installed?

The instructions from the starter advised to add/reduce gear clearance based on the sound as the starter engages. This seems easier, but perhaps less precise.

[Ray G.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

Hello;
Usually we remove the spring under the starter solenoid and of course disconnect the battery. If you don't disconnect the battery when the starter drive is pushed into position to mesh with the flywheel the solenoid will engage the starter and attempt to start the engine.
Death or terrible injury could occur.
The starter drive can be meshed with the flywheel by using a small screwdriver or other small pry through the small drain hole in the starter nose cone.
The paper clip diameter should be measured at the top of the starter drive gear tooth and the bottom of the flywheel teeth.
I looked for a pictures of this but was unable to find one at this writing.
Ray

[Mark E.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

Thanks Ray.

I love procedures that include "death or terrible injury could occur".

Seriously, thanks for the clarification; I learned something about starter installation.

[John H.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

Any information about this?

Mark -

Nope, there was no starter shimming in production - came out of the container, bolted to the engine. Period.

[Mark E.]

Re: Shimming a starter required?

I wonder if never using shims at the factory caused quality issues. Maybe there was a rework process to add shims for cars that had a problem?