How does one go about shimming a starter?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
How does one go about shimming a starter?
My friend bought an autolite for his Firebird 400. Pretty sure it's the same style as ours... but anyways.
How's the shimming process work? He has a very high pitched squeel when he starts. (Not as bad as a double start, though...)
Remember, I'm dumb and need details. :)
-Steve
How's the shimming process work? He has a very high pitched squeel when he starts. (Not as bad as a double start, though...)
Remember, I'm dumb and need details. :)
-Steve
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Valley MO
Re: How does one go about shimming a starter? (Pacin'California)
If I recall correctlly, you should have about 3/8 of an inch between the flywheel and the starter drive gear Shaft. I would get a 3/8 bolt about 3inches long to check it. You can buy the shims at any auto parts store. Is it a staggered bolt pattern or a straight bolt pattern? I take the starter lose so it clears the engine blk and take out the bolt farthest away from the blk. Add a shim and tighen it back up. hit the starter. if it sounds good then check the pattern on the flywheel to make sure it is engaging all the way. Repeat the above steps as needed. It really not hard, just time consuming, trying to get it right. On my car if it does not fire the first time, it kicks back and knocks the starter out of alignment. when I find a bracket that will work, going from starter to the blk, problem will be solved.
Good Luck
:cheers: Larry
Good Luck
:cheers: Larry
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 2
Re: How does one go about shimming a starter? (69vette66)
The better remanufactured starters (DuraLast Gold from AutoZone is an example) come with a few shims and a "feeler rod" that tells you the gap. I think it's actual 1/8, not 3/8, but I've never had to shim one. I kept the little feeler rod just in case, but have no idea where it is right now.
The shop manual should give a clearance spec, though...
Jeff
The shop manual should give a clearance spec, though...
Jeff
