Installing starter, How to Shim?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Installing starter, How to Shim?
I got a new starter which came with a couple of shims and mounting bolts. The engine is still on the stand. How do I go about installing the starter? By that, I mean what do I look for in regards to the flexplate and starter teeth. Is this something that is critical or do the shims allow for a better/proper installation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,831
Likes: 5
From: Austin TX
It's pretty important for mini-starters, I don't think I've had to shim
a stock one. I can't remember the exact fit to look for. I think being
able to just fit a large (about 1 1/2 inch) paper clip between the teeth
of the starter and the flexplate is about right. That's with the starter
gear extended. On my 427 I had to cut a thicker shim out of some
aluminum plate to get it to work right.
Seems like I remember norvalwilhelm talking about moving the starter front to rear too. I've never had to do that, but you might PM him. He's a real helpful guy.
If I'm wrong about the clearance hopefully somebody will chime in...
a stock one. I can't remember the exact fit to look for. I think being
able to just fit a large (about 1 1/2 inch) paper clip between the teeth
of the starter and the flexplate is about right. That's with the starter
gear extended. On my 427 I had to cut a thicker shim out of some
aluminum plate to get it to work right.
Seems like I remember norvalwilhelm talking about moving the starter front to rear too. I've never had to do that, but you might PM him. He's a real helpful guy.
If I'm wrong about the clearance hopefully somebody will chime in...
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 52
From: Florida
It's a good idea to retain your old starter nose and transfer it to the new starter. It usually means you don't have to do any shimming. You may not need the shims that are supplied with your new starter, you'll know by the sound it makes when you try and crank it over. If it sounds harsh when you try it, add the thinnest shim and retry it. That's my opinion.
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by jimvette999
It's a good idea to retain your old starter nose and transfer it to the new starter. Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,446
Likes: 2
From: Not Correctly Restored Stingray Fla.
This is an excellent time to see how much you need to shim the starter. You need to mount the flywheel or flexplate to the engine and mount the starter to the block. There should be directions showing the teeth pattern when engaged. You can engage the starter to the flywheel carefully using pliers and see what you have.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Appleton Wi.
If I remember right, you need to be able to fit a 3/32" drill bit between the tip of the gear of the starter (when extended) and the flywheel, this will give you the proper clearance. That is what the shims are for.
TJ
TJ
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
If you go to the Jeg's web site, there is a page, in their tech section I believe, that tells you how to check starter alignment. Sorry, I don't have a link, I just printed out what was there. The article is titled "Installation Instructions for 10001-04, 100200-22 & 10040 GM Starters".
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by glen242
If you go to the Jeg's web site, there is a page, in their tech section I believe, that tells you how to check starter alignment. Sorry, I don't have a link, I just printed out what was there. The article is titled "Installation Instructions for 10001-04, 100200-22 & 10040 GM Starters".
I found the instructions. If anyone else wants to take a look, here is the link http://www.jegs.com/instructions/555...1-04-20-40.pdf . It amazes me how there are so many little things come up when building an engine from scratch.
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