Shimming my starter

[jdheff1982]

Once again, I had to pull the starter cause it died. The mounting bolts were still tight; however, I think at least 1 of them is bent as it would loosen and tighten as I backed it out of its' hole.

Anyways, I got to looking at the drive gear teeth and they are ground flat. From what I have read, this means the starter needs to be moved closer. So, I need to add 1/2 shims to outside mounting pad. I am having a hard time wrapping my head around how doing that causes the starter drive shaft to move closer to the flywheel.

Would the flywheel grind the drive gear teeth from the initial install if the starter was not sitting close enough? Even though the starter was working fine?

Thanks.