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ray_mcavoy · 03-24-2014, 04:43 PM

It all depends on how the tolerances of the starter, ring gear, block, etc. all add up. Changing any one of those parts can potentially change the shim requirements.

While you can just bolt the starter on and see how it works & sounds, I prefer to measure the clearance between the starter pinion gear and the ring gear on the flywheel or flexplate. There should be somewhere around 0.035" to 0.065" clearance between the tip of the pinion gear teeth and the root of the ring gear teeth. A straightened out paper clip (about 0.045" diameter) makes a good gauge. To measure the clearance, disconnect the battery and use a screwdriver or small pry bar to pull the pinion gear out to the engaged position. Or temporarily remove the solenoid so you can pull on the plunger by hand to engage the gear.

03-24-2014, 04:43 PM	#2
ray_mcavoy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sherman, ME Posts: 2,373	Re: starter shim question It all depends on how the tolerances of the starter, ring gear, block, etc. all add up. Changing any one of those parts can potentially change the shim requirements. While you can just bolt the starter on and see how it works & sounds, I prefer to measure the clearance between the starter pinion gear and the ring gear on the flywheel or flexplate. There should be somewhere around 0.035" to 0.065" clearance between the tip of the pinion gear teeth and the root of the ring gear teeth. A straightened out paper clip (about 0.045" diameter) makes a good gauge. To measure the clearance, disconnect the battery and use a screwdriver or small pry bar to pull the pinion gear out to the engaged position. Or temporarily remove the solenoid so you can pull on the plunger by hand to engage the gear.