How to shim a starter? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BLAZERMAN · 06-20-2002, 09:25 PM

Just put a new starter on the truck tonight and I get a loud clashing noise when I turn the key, looking at it from below you can see the stater drive just spins on the ring gear without even turning it, looks like it's just not meshing with the it , I've never had to shim a starter whats the best way to do this?

boilrman · 06-20-2002, 09:55 PM

I know it is some extra work, but I have done it by removing the solenoid from the starter and then bolting the starter in place. Then you grab the linkage the kicks the gear into place and see where it sits when it will be engaged. Use shims under one side at a time until you have approx the gap of a paperclip between the gears when engaged.

Once you know what is needed, remove the starter, reinstall the solenoid and bolt it back up.

dion · 06-20-2002, 10:57 PM

I had to shim my starter a few times but it still makes that noise, they call it the "Chevy Noise"

red71cheyenne · 06-21-2002, 06:28 PM

I tried shimming several and finally found that the shims weren't the problem. The nose cone on the starters need to be machined down some. Take a file and gradually file off some of the flat area where the starter bolts to the block. Go slow and check your work often. About .060 seemed like about enough, or about 10 minutes of solid filing. Keep it flat and straight and you should have no more noise and it should mesh fine. Jeff.

06-20-2002, 09:25 PM	#1
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,828	How to shim a starter? Just put a new starter on the truck tonight and I get a loud clashing noise when I turn the key, looking at it from below you can see the stater drive just spins on the ring gear without even turning it, looks like it's just not meshing with the it , I've never had to shim a starter whats the best way to do this? __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

06-20-2002, 09:55 PM	#2
boilrman 70 Chevy 3/4t Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Kokomo,IN USA Posts: 1,230	I know it is some extra work, but I have done it by removing the solenoid from the starter and then bolting the starter in place. Then you grab the linkage the kicks the gear into place and see where it sits when it will be engaged. Use shims under one side at a time until you have approx the gap of a paperclip between the gears when engaged. Once you know what is needed, remove the starter, reinstall the solenoid and bolt it back up. __________________ Find a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life. 1998 Yamaha V-Star 650 1970 Chevy 3/4t, I6 (rebuilt), 4 speed Kokomo,IN

06-20-2002, 10:57 PM	#3
dion 72 Cheyenne Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,086	I had to shim my starter a few times but it still makes that noise, they call it the "Chevy Noise" __________________ Burnout Idle 1972Cheyenne 1966/67Stouts

06-21-2002, 06:28 PM	#4
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	I tried shimming several and finally found that the shims weren't the problem. The nose cone on the starters need to be machined down some. Take a file and gradually file off some of the flat area where the starter bolts to the block. Go slow and check your work often. About .060 seemed like about enough, or about 10 minutes of solid filing. Keep it flat and straight and you should have no more noise and it should mesh fine. Jeff. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty



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