Starter Shims - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

adkphoto · 07-02-2003, 08:25 AM

Anybody know the "Proper" amount to shim a starter?

I've got a new standard size starter on my 350 Auto. Too much noise when the starter engages, so I suspect it's not shimmed right.

David

crazy longhorn · 07-02-2003, 08:50 AM

If you slide a 1/8" checker rod(pc welding rod will do), between the OD of the flex plate, & the arma ture shaft you can shim accordingly. If the meaure is too tight, you need to use the shims under both bolts......if its too loose, you need to cut the shims in half, & shim the outer bolt only. just use the 1/8" rod as a feeler guage(not loose, but not tight). Many of the reman starters come with this checker rod. Good luck,crazyL

adkphoto · 07-02-2003, 01:33 PM

Hmmm. I've never seen or heard of a checker rod before. Sounds like a good idea though. I wonder if I can use a #1 phillips driver instead.

Is the procedure the same for starters with offset bolt patterns?

David

Alex Hayley · 07-02-2003, 01:39 PM

Yes, the procedure is the same for the offset pattern. If the screwdriver is 1/8" in diameter. You could also use a 1/8" diameter drill bit.

adkphoto · 07-07-2003, 08:58 AM

Drill bit idea worked good.

I took out the two thin shims that I had installed and have a clearance of about 5/32". Must have some wear on the fly wheel. Not surprising considering its age.

Starter seems a little quieter and seems to have more torque. Amazing what a difference a 1/16th of an inch can make. Thanks for your help guys!

David

07-02-2003, 08:50 AM	#2
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	If you slide a 1/8" checker rod(pc welding rod will do), between the OD of the flex plate, & the arma ture shaft you can shim accordingly. If the meaure is too tight, you need to use the shims under both bolts......if its too loose, you need to cut the shims in half, & shim the outer bolt only. just use the 1/8" rod as a feeler guage(not loose, but not tight). Many of the reman starters come with this checker rod. Good luck,crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

07-02-2003, 01:33 PM	#3
adkphoto Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Camillus, NY USA Posts: 79	Hmmm. I've never seen or heard of a checker rod before. Sounds like a good idea though. I wonder if I can use a #1 phillips driver instead. Is the procedure the same for starters with offset bolt patterns? David __________________ 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super LWB Chevy Red/White with rally wheels. Not-so-Stock 350, A/T, A/C, tilt. Vroom, Vroom.... ===================== David Colbert dcolbert@twcny.rr.com Work hard, play harder!

07-07-2003, 08:58 AM	#5
adkphoto Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Camillus, NY USA Posts: 79	Drill bit idea worked good. I took out the two thin shims that I had installed and have a clearance of about 5/32". Must have some wear on the fly wheel. Not surprising considering its age. Starter seems a little quieter and seems to have more torque. Amazing what a difference a 1/16th of an inch can make. Thanks for your help guys! David __________________ 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super LWB Chevy Red/White with rally wheels. Not-so-Stock 350, A/T, A/C, tilt. Vroom, Vroom.... ===================== David Colbert dcolbert@twcny.rr.com Work hard, play harder!

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07-02-2003, 08:25 AM	#1
adkphoto Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Camillus, NY USA Posts: 79	Starter Shims Anybody know the "Proper" amount to shim a starter? I've got a new standard size starter on my 350 Auto. Too much noise when the starter engages, so I suspect it's not shimmed right. David __________________ 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super LWB Chevy Red/White with rally wheels. Not-so-Stock 350, A/T, A/C, tilt. Vroom, Vroom.... ===================== David Colbert dcolbert@twcny.rr.com Work hard, play harder!

07-02-2003, 01:39 PM	#4
Alex Hayley Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: NC Posts: 987	Yes, the procedure is the same for the offset pattern. If the screwdriver is 1/8" in diameter. You could also use a 1/8" diameter drill bit.



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